Unseasonably warm conditions will dominate much of West Virginia today, but a strong cold front moving through the region tonight will bring a dramatic change in the weather by Friday. According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, temperatures will climb well above normal today, with dry conditions during the morning followed by increasing cloud cover and a rising chance of showers this afternoon as winds become breezy.
The cold front is expected to cross the state overnight, bringing a period of rain and gusty winds, especially across the higher terrain. Winds will strengthen late tonight, with the strongest gusts occurring along the northern and central mountain ridges. After a relatively mild evening, temperatures will fall rapidly overnight as colder air pours into the region behind the front.
By Friday morning, wind advisories will be in effect for portions of the higher elevations, where gusts of 50 to 55 miles per hour are possible. Across the lowlands, wind gusts may reach 30 to 35 miles per hour, creating blustery and uncomfortable conditions throughout the day. Temperatures on Friday will be much colder than today, with readings remaining steady or slowly falling through the daytime hours.
As colder air deepens early Friday morning, precipitation is expected to transition from rain to a rain-and-snow mix, then to all snow in the mountains. Light snow accumulations are possible, primarily along the higher ridges, before precipitation tapers off by early Friday afternoon. In the lowlands, little to no accumulation is expected due to warmer ground temperatures.
Residents are advised to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, secure loose outdoor items ahead of strong winds, and use caution when traveling in mountainous areas where snow and gusty winds could briefly reduce visibility. Staying weather-aware through the overnight hours will be important as West Virginia shifts from mild conditions to a much colder and windier pattern.
