Charleston, West Virginia – A dangerous wave of heat is gripping Charleston and communities across central, northern, and western West Virginia, with heat index values expected to reach 103 degrees from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Outdoor plans, travel, and daily routines could be disrupted as the region endures one of the hottest days of the summer.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Heat Advisory covers counties from Huntington and Parkersburg to Clarksburg and as far south as Boone and Wayne. Portions of southeast Ohio—including Athens, Marietta, and Gallipolis—and northeast Kentucky, including Greenup and Carter, are also under advisory until tonight.
Residents in Kanawha, Cabell, Jackson, and Putnam counties should expect sweltering conditions through the afternoon and evening. Emergency agencies urge everyone to drink water frequently, stay indoors with air conditioning, and avoid prolonged outdoor activities—especially between noon and 6 p.m., when heat stress will be highest. Schools and sports programs may adjust schedules, while local utilities are bracing for higher power demand as families try to stay cool.
First responders remind residents never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Wear light, loose clothing, check on elderly neighbors, and know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke: dizziness, headache, and confusion. If you feel ill, move to a cool place and seek help.
This is the most widespread heat event of July and follows a string of near-record highs across the Ohio Valley. Additional advisories or warnings could be issued if conditions worsen, and temperatures are expected to stay elevated into Sunday. Stay tuned for updates from the National Weather Service.
