Weather
WV Weather Alert: Charleston Rain Thursday, Freezing by Nov 14
West Virginia — Sunshine and temperatures approaching 68 degrees will soon give way to chilly rain, gusty winds and freezing mornings across Charleston.
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-11-11T09:11:19.550Z
West Virginia — Sunshine and temperatures approaching 68 degrees will soon give way to chilly rain, gusty winds and freezing mornings across Charleston.
By Saturday, November 14, temperatures could plunge to 26 degrees, marking a dramatic 42 degree difference from Wednesday's afternoon high.
The sharp reversal could catch residents off guard, especially those planning weekend travel, outdoor activities or last minute fall yardwork.
According to the National Weather Service, Charleston and surrounding Kanawha County face increasing rain chances Thursday before colder Canadian air settles across the region.
Thursday Rain Arrives Before Temperatures Fall Thursday, November 12, brings the first major weather change.
Rain chances reach 70%, with precipitation likely before 10 a.m. Another opportunity for rain develops later in the day.
Temperatures reach approximately 52 degrees, while northwest winds increase to around 11 mph. Gusts could reach 22 mph.
Drivers along Interstate 64, Interstate 77 and Interstate 79 should prepare for wet pavement and occasional reduced visibility.
Thursday night temperatures fall toward 34 degrees, with rain chances remaining at 70%, particularly after 1 a.m. Friday.
Keep rain gear nearby and secure lightweight outdoor decorations before winds increase.
Friday Brings a Near Freezing Weather Shift Friday, November 13, delivers another noticeable temperature drop.
Highs struggle to reach 44 degrees, with a 30% chance of rain before 1 p.m.
Northwest winds of 6 to 9 mph will make conditions feel brisk.
By Friday night, temperatures fall to approximately 28 degrees.
That introduces freezing concerns across Charleston, South Charleston, St. Albans and surrounding Kanawha Valley communities.
Wet surfaces could develop isolated icy patches if moisture remains as temperatures drop below freezing.
However, the current local forecast does not explicitly predict widespread flash freezing or accumulating snow.
Saturday Freeze Could Be the Weekend's Biggest Concern Saturday, November 14, brings partly sunny skies and highs near 45 degrees.
Despite improving afternoon conditions, temperatures fall toward 26 degrees Saturday night.
That would represent a 42 degree difference from Wednesday's expected high.
Residents should consider protecting sensitive plants, checking outdoor faucets and preparing warmer clothing.
The Weather Prediction Center is tracking a significant polar air intrusion across the eastern United States.
Although higher Appalachian elevations could experience wet snow, Charleston's supplied local forecast currently favors rain followed by colder, drier conditions.
No specific tornado threat is indicated for Charleston in the supplied outlook.
Five Day Charleston Weather Outlook Thursday, Nov. 12: Rain likely, high 52°F. Precipitation chance 70%. Wind gusts up to 22 mph. Low 34°F. Friday, Nov. 13: Chance of rain before afternoon, high 44°F. Precipitation chance 30%. Low 28°F. Saturday, Nov. 14: Partly sunny, high 45°F. Low 26°F. Sunday, Nov. 15: Mostly sunny, high 48°F. Low 25°F. Monday, Nov. 16: Mostly sunny, high 50°F. Low 26°F. Tuesday, November 17, offers a modest warming trend, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 54 degrees.
Looking toward Thanksgiving, additional cold spells remain possible as November progresses. However, no specific Charleston snowfall event is established by this outlook.
Are you ready for Charleston's return to freezing temperatures, or are you still finishing fall yardwork? Tell us how you're preparing for the weekend cold.