Charleston, West Virginia – Temperatures are starting below freezing this morning, creating a sharp cold shock for commuters before a rapid warm-up takes hold by mid-afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, widespread morning lows in the 20s and lower 30s are impacting much of the state, with the coldest readings across mountain communities. By 8 a.m., temperatures range from 26 to 32 degrees in higher elevations and near 29 to 32 degrees across the lowlands.
Conditions will shift quickly under sunny skies, with afternoon highs climbing to 65 to 70 degrees in cities including Charleston, Huntington, and Parkersburg. That marks a temperature swing of nearly 40 degrees in just a few hours.
Mountain areas such as Snowshoe and Elkins will warm more slowly, reaching only the upper 40s to upper 50s, with lingering chill throughout the day.
Drivers should remain alert early this morning, as patchy frost could impact bridges and elevated roadways. Layered clothing is recommended due to the dramatic temperature change.
The warming trend continues into Thursday, with dry conditions holding and additional updates expected if temperatures fluctuate overnight again.
