West Virginia – Wet pavement and gray skies are greeting drivers this morning as bands of rain and scattered thunderstorms spread across the state, leaving slick roads and reduced visibility around Charleston by mid-morning.
Umbrellas are already out across Kanawha County. Puddles are forming along I-64 and I-77 as showers become steadier through the day. A rumble of thunder could arrive later this afternoon, especially after 5 p.m., when storms strengthen along a passing cold front.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, rain chances climb to near 100 percent today with gusty southwest winds around 15 to 25 mph. Some storms may briefly intensify during the evening commute before rain continues into early Sunday morning.
Drivers should slow down on elevated roadways and bridges where water collects quickly. Wet pavement can hide slick patches, especially in shaded areas or on hills around South Hills and the Elk River corridor. Keep headlights on and allow extra braking distance.
Rain tapers early Sunday, but clouds linger through the morning before drier air arrives later in the day. Temperatures remain mild for early March, with highs in the mid-60s.
Then the bigger story arrives next week.
Sunshine returns Monday with highs pushing into the lower 70s around Charleston. Another round of showers and storms could develop Monday night into Tuesday, but temperatures continue trending warmer. Midweek highs climb toward the upper 70s across the Kanawha Valley, giving the region its first real taste of spring warmth.
Residents should also prepare for the annual clock change. Daylight Saving Time begins early Sunday morning at 2 a.m., meaning sunset will come later each evening.
More advisories could follow if stronger storms develop later today.
Traveling around Charleston today? Tell us what conditions look like in your neighborhood.
Five Day Outlook – Charleston, West Virginia
Today – High 82°F | Slight chance of thunderstorms early, rain likely later
Tonight – Low 56°F | Rain and possible thunderstorms
Sunday – High 66°F | Rain early, then scattered showers
Monday – High 73°F | Sunny and mild
Tuesday – High 77°F | Chance of rain and scattered storms
