Wet pavement glistens across much of West Virginia this morning as rain spreads through the Kanawha Valley, forcing slower travel across Charleston and nearby highways. Drivers on I-64 and I-77 are already encountering patchy spray and reduced visibility as showers move through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, scattered thunderstorms will continue developing across central and southern West Virginia through late morning and midday. Rainfall totals generally stay under one-tenth inch, but stronger cells could briefly drop heavier bursts across Kanawha, Putnam, and Boone counties.
Temperatures surge into the lower 80s later today, delivering a brief taste of late-spring warmth across the Ohio Valley. South winds increase between 8 and 15 mph with occasional gusts near 31 mph. That warmth fuels additional thunderstorms during the afternoon commute.
Conditions shift sharply late tonight as cooler air sweeps across the Appalachian region. Rain continues into the early morning hours before tapering by sunrise. Winds then turn northwest and strengthen, gusting close to 28 mph as temperatures tumble toward the mid-30s.
That rapid drop may create patchy slick spots early Thursday on bridges and elevated roads across Charleston and surrounding mountain routes. Drivers heading through the I-64 corridor toward Huntington or Beckley should allow extra travel time.
Skies gradually clear Thursday afternoon, though highs only reach the upper 40s — a stark change from the springlike warmth earlier in the week. The air will feel noticeably brisk across the Kanawha Valley.
Milder conditions return heading into Friday and the upcoming spring break travel window. Sunshine and calmer weather should help dry out roads across southern West Virginia before another unsettled stretch arrives later this weekend.
Traveling across the region today? Let us know what road conditions look like in your neighborhood.
Five Day Forecast for Charleston, West Virginia
Wednesday: Rain and thunderstorms likely. High near 82°F.
Wednesday Night: Rain continues before dawn. Low near 35°F.
Thursday: Gradual clearing, breezy. High near 49°F.
Friday: Partly sunny and milder. High near 63°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny skies. High near 59°F.
