Charleston, WV – A sharp overnight temperature drop will push readings to 31°F by early Tuesday morning, creating a narrow window for crop damage and slick spots on elevated roadways before the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Freeze Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday across much of West Virginia, along with parts of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, and southwest Virginia. Some counties in southeast Ohio, including Athens and Washington, could fall even lower to 29°F before sunrise.
The cold air will settle fastest in valleys and rural areas, where frost is expected to form on exposed surfaces. Cities including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Clarksburg may see patchy frost, while colder pockets near Elkins and Buckhannon could briefly dip below freezing. In Ohio, areas like Marietta and Athens face a higher likelihood of a hard freeze.
Transportation impacts may include icy patches on bridges and overpasses along I-64, I-77, and U.S. 33 between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Gardeners and farmers should cover plants, bring sensitive vegetation indoors, and protect outdoor plumbing.
Temperatures will recover after 10 a.m., but additional freeze alerts could be issued through midweek as clear skies allow heat to escape overnight.
