Charleston, W.Va. – Under a quiet, star-filled sky early Thursday, much colder air is sliding across the Kanawha Valley — the kind that paints lawns silver by dawn. A Frost Advisory has been issued for much of central and southern West Virginia, extending into southeast Ohio and northeast Kentucky. Temperatures are expected to drop to around 33°F between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, the chill will be enough to damage or kill sensitive vegetation. Residents should protect plants, cover outdoor gardens, and drain hoses ahead of Friday’s sunrise. The advisory affects Charleston, Huntington, Ashland, Marietta, and nearby rural valleys most prone to cold pooling.
Winds will calm as skies clear, allowing this brief cold snap to settle in before a stunning stretch of late-October sunshine. Friday will warm quickly after the frost lifts, reaching a high near 59°F under bright skies. Saturday looks even better — sunny with highs in the lower 60s and just a hint of a morning chill.
Sunday continues the pleasant theme with mild air returning; highs reach the mid-60s before clouds build late in the day. The next system arrives early next week with increasing chances of light rain Monday into Tuesday.
Across the broader Appalachian region, this frost marks another milestone in fall’s steady march toward winter. Nearly a dozen states from Iowa to Virginia will see growing seasons end this weekend as the first widespread subfreezing air takes hold — a reminder that November is knocking.
Five-Day Outlook for Charleston, WV:
Thu: 60/33 – Clear and cool; frost risk late.
Fri: 59/34 – Frost early, then sunny and calm.
Sat: 61/38 – Mostly sunny; pleasant.
Sun: 64/44 – Mild; clouds increase late.
Mon: 62/44 – Mostly cloudy; light showers possible.
