Charleston, WV — A cold front moving through the region early Sunday is setting up a breezy but sunny day across much of West Virginia, with wind gusts expected to reach as high as 50 mph in some areas. The National Weather Service in Charleston reports that clearer skies and seasonable temperatures will follow the front, bringing highs in the low to mid-50s across the lowlands and cooler 40s in the mountains.
According to the National Weather Service, winds will continue to strengthen through the morning before gradually diminishing later tonight. A Wind Advisory remains in effect for northeast Pocahontas and southeast Randolph counties through Monday morning, where the strongest gusts are expected. Elevated ridges and exposed terrain in these counties could experience hazardous crosswinds, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Forecasters say today’s breezy conditions are typical in the wake of a November cold frontal passage, with rapidly changing air masses contributing to strong, non-thunderstorm-related wind gusts. While skies will trend mostly sunny by midday, the winds are expected to persist throughout the afternoon.
Residents across central and southern West Virginia should secure outdoor items like patio furniture, trash bins and holiday decorations, which may be displaced by stronger gusts. Power outages are not expected to be widespread, but isolated outages are possible, particularly in the advisory area where brief, stronger gusts are more likely.
Travelers along U.S. 219, Route 33 and the higher mountain passes should be prepared for sudden wind shifts and reduced vehicle stability. The NWS advises motorists to keep both hands on the wheel and to use extra caution when driving near large trucks or on exposed roadways.
Temperatures will fall quickly again tonight under mostly clear skies, dropping into the upper 20s and 30s across the region. Winds will ease by early Monday, leading to calmer and seasonable weather to start the workweek.
