Charleston, West Virginia – A powerful surge of arctic air is expected to move into West Virginia late January into early February, setting up a colder and increasingly active winter pattern with a heightened risk for snow, especially across higher elevations and interior counties.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the Jan. 24–Feb. 6 outlook favors below-normal temperatures across the central Appalachians, with precipitation probabilities increasing as storm systems track along the boundary between arctic air and milder southern moisture. This places West Virginia in a favorable zone for accumulating snow events.
Central and southern West Virginia, including Charleston, Beckley, and Logan, could see one or more snow events capable of creating hazardous travel conditions. Snow-covered and icy roads are possible along Interstates 64, 77, and 79, particularly during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures drop quickly.
Northern and eastern portions of the state, including Morgantown, Clarksburg, and the Potomac Highlands, are likely to see the greatest impacts. Higher elevations may experience more persistent snowfall and colder temperatures, increasing the risk for difficult travel and isolated power issues.
The prolonged cold will also raise concerns for frozen pipes, increased heating demand, and dangerous wind chills during the coldest periods. Residents are urged to prepare vehicles for winter travel, limit unnecessary driving during snow events, and ensure homes are protected against extreme cold.
Colder-than-normal conditions are expected to persist into early February, and additional advisories or alerts are likely as storm chances become clearer.
