West Virginia weather is turning wetter and more unsettled across the Kanawha Valley this afternoon as humid air builds ahead of several rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through midweek. Damp pavement glistened across downtown Charleston late this morning while low clouds drifted over the Elk and Kanawha rivers, creating a muggy and unstable feel across much of central West Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, rain chances climb sharply through the afternoon and evening with precipitation probabilities reaching 80% today and 90% by Tuesday. Some storms may produce locally heavy downpours, brief gusty winds and ponding water on roads including I-64, I-77 and stretches of the West Virginia Turnpike.
Temperatures still push into the lower 80s this afternoon despite the clouds and scattered rain. Charleston could see between a tenth and quarter inch of rainfall in stronger thunderstorms today, with additional rounds expected Monday through Wednesday. Drivers should remain alert for sudden visibility drops during heavier rain, especially near bridge crossings and low-lying roadways prone to standing water.
The broader eastern U.S. storm pattern continues funneling moisture into the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians, increasing the risk for repeated showers through the holiday stretch. While widespread severe weather remains unlikely, isolated storms could still produce lightning and isolated hail during the warmest part of the day.
Conditions remain active into late week before slightly drier and warmer weather attempts to return by Friday. Additional advisories and localized flood alerts may be issued if heavier rain bands develop across central West Virginia.
Five Day Outlook for Charleston, West Virginia:
- Monday: Showers likely, high near 78°F
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms, high near 81°F
- Wednesday: Showers likely with storms possible, high near 82°F
- Thursday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, high near 81°F
- Friday: Partly sunny and drier, high near 78°F
