Charleston, West Virginia – A mid-February thaw is set to spread across Central Appalachia beginning Thursday, when temperatures rise above freezing and remain milder through the Feb. 13–19 period, increasing snowmelt, wet roads, and changing travel conditions across the region.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a warmer air mass moving in late Wednesday night will lift daytime highs above 32 degrees across West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, and western Virginia. Temperatures are expected to run above seasonal averages for several consecutive days, marking a notable shift after prolonged winter cold.
In West Virginia, including Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Beckley, highs climbing into the mid to upper 30s will accelerate melting of existing snowpack. Slushy conditions are likely on secondary roads and mountain routes, especially along I-64, I-77, Route 19, and Route 50. Overnight refreezing remains a concern where meltwater lingers after sunset.
Eastern Kentucky and southwest Virginia are also expected to trend milder, with daytime temperatures pushing into the upper 30s and lower 40s at times. As temperatures hover near or just above freezing, periods of rain or a rain-snow mix are possible, particularly along I-75, US-23, I-81, and Route 460. Slick spots may develop during the morning and evening commute windows.
The warmer pattern is expected to persist through much of next week. Additional advisories or short-term alerts may be issued as precipitation timing becomes clearer and refreeze risks continue across higher elevations and shaded roadways in Central Appalachia.
