Charleston, West Virginia – Spring break travelers moving through West Virginia could encounter a sharp return to winter as overnight temperatures drop to around 21°F between March 16 and March 20, creating icy early-morning conditions across the Kanawha Valley and surrounding regions.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a large portion of the eastern United States—from Minnesota down to East Texas and eastward to the Atlantic coast—shows a 60–70% probability of below-normal temperatures during that timeframe. The Ohio Valley, including West Virginia, sits within the colder core of this air mass.
Cities including Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley could see overnight temperatures falling close to 21°F, especially during clear nights when winds relax and temperatures cool rapidly before sunrise.
Daytime highs may recover into the upper 30s and low 40s, but those readings will still run below typical mid-March averages for the region.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 64, Interstate 77, and Interstate 79 during spring break should watch for patchy frost and icy spots on bridges and elevated roadways during early morning hours, particularly in valleys where cold air settles overnight.
Higher elevations across the Appalachian Mountains may also see occasional snow showers that could briefly reduce visibility on mountain roadways.
The colder pattern may persist through March 20, and additional advisories could follow if overnight temperatures continue dipping toward the lower 20s across West Virginia during the opening days of spring.
