Charleston, W.Va. – Extreme heat continues to grip West Virginia as Charleston prepares for a dangerously hot Friday, with heat index values soaring to 104° by late morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday, followed by a Heat Advisory that begins Friday at 8 a.m. and runs through 8 p.m. Affected areas include Kanawha, Cabell, Putnam, and surrounding counties in central and southwest West Virginia. Scattered thunderstorms may offer brief relief, but temperatures and humidity remain dangerously high.
Charleston-area roads like U.S. Route 60 and I-64 will remain active under the sun, creating potentially hazardous conditions for travelers and outdoor workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges anyone working outside to schedule breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Friday’s high will reach 93°F, with calm winds early shifting southwest by afternoon. Thunderstorms are possible late, especially after 3 p.m., though rainfall will be spotty. Residents should limit strenuous activity, stay hydrated, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Looking Ahead:
- Saturday: Chance of thunderstorms, high near 90°, rain chances increase after 4 p.m.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, isolated storms late, high near 91°.
- Monday: 50% chance of storms, hot again with highs in the low 90s.
- Tuesday: Heavy rain and storms likely, 70% chance, highs near 88°.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny and drier, high near 88°.
Storms this weekend may offer brief cooldowns, but heat and humidity remain high into early next week. Additional alerts are possible. Stay weather-aware through Tuesday.
