Charleston, West Virginia – A shift away from entrenched winter cold is expected across West Virginia by Thursday as temperatures climb above freezing, setting up a mid-February thaw that could quickly impact travel, snowpack, and daily conditions statewide.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook valid from Friday, February 13 through Thursday, February 19 favors above-normal temperatures across most of the Mountain State. Daytime highs are expected to rise into the mid to upper 30s beginning Thursday, accelerating snowmelt on roads, hillsides, and residential areas.
Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, Morgantown, and Parkersburg all fall within the warmer-than-average signal, with even higher-elevation communities trending milder than seasonal norms. Overnight lows are also expected to moderate closer to freezing, reducing extreme cold but increasing the risk of refreezing where meltwater lingers after dark.
Precipitation probabilities trend near to slightly above normal during this period, raising the potential for rain or a rain-snow mix as warmer air moves into the Appalachians. The West Virginia Division of Highways warns that major routes including I-64, I-77, I-79, Route 19, and Route 50 could see slushy conditions, standing water, and slick spots, especially on bridges, mountain passes, and shaded roadways.
The milder pattern is expected to persist into the middle of next week. Residents should stay alert for updated advisories, as additional short-term alerts may be issued if precipitation timing or refreeze risks become more defined across West Virginia.
