Charleston, West Virginia – A notable mid-February warm-up is expected across West Virginia, with temperatures forecast to run 10 to 20 degrees above normal from Feb. 16–20, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center.
The Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10 day temperature outlook shows a strong signal for above-normal temperatures statewide, including Charleston and Morgantown. Probabilities for warmer-than-average conditions exceed 60 percent, indicating a high-confidence shift away from typical mid-winter cold.
Under normal conditions, mid-February highs across West Virginia generally range from the upper 30s to lower 40s, with cooler readings in higher elevations. During this warm stretch, daytime temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 40s and 50s, with some lower-elevation and southern areas potentially reaching the lower 60s during peak warmth.
This warming trend is part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of the central and eastern United States. Across the Midwest and Mississippi Valley, temperatures are expected to surge into the 50s and 60s, reinforcing what forecasters often describe as a late-winter “spring tease.”
Precipitation outlooks indicate near to slightly above-normal precipitation across the central Appalachians during this timeframe. Combined with rising temperatures, melting snow in higher elevations and periodic rainfall could lead to localized ponding, river rises, and minor flooding, particularly in valleys and low-lying areas.
Forecasters emphasize that this outlook reflects probabilistic climate guidance, not a day-to-day forecast. Colder air and wintry weather can still return later in February, and residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts for updated details.
For commuters, students, and outdoor workers, the warmer stretch may provide brief relief from winter cold, though rapidly changing mountain weather remains possible.
