Charleston, West Virginia – New long-range federal climate guidance suggests February 2026 could bring above-normal snowfall across nearly all of West Virginia, increasing the potential for repeated winter weather impacts statewide.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), most of West Virginia is included in a broad corridor of elevated snowfall probabilities stretching from the Midwest through the central Appalachians and into the Northeast. The outlook points to a higher likelihood of prolonged or more frequent snow events compared to typical February conditions.
Higher-elevation areas of central and eastern West Virginia, including portions of the Allegheny Mountains, show particularly strong signals for increased snowfall potential. Lower-elevation western and southern counties are also included in the above-normal zone, suggesting snow activity may extend beyond the state’s traditional mountain snow belts.
CPC monthly outlooks do not specify snowfall totals or individual storm timing. Instead, they assess how overall snowfall during the month may compare to long-term averages. For February 2026, the guidance indicates cumulative snowfall or the number of snow events could exceed normal levels across much of the state.
Temperature outlooks for February show near-normal conditions across West Virginia. This temperature pattern favors snow over rain or mixed precipitation for many systems, particularly during overnight periods and higher-elevation events. Forecasters note that near-average temperatures combined with increased storm frequency often result in extended snow cover and recurring travel challenges.
Neighboring states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia are also included in the above-normal snowfall zone, reinforcing confidence in a regional winter pattern rather than isolated weather systems.
Commuters, students, and residents across West Virginia are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as February approaches, when outlooks are refined and confidence increases closer to the season.
