Charleston, West Virginia – A powerful Arctic air mass is settling firmly over West Virginia, setting the stage for a prolonged stretch of dangerous winter cold that could last well into February. Temperatures are expected to plunge this weekend, with overnight lows dropping into the single digits and below zero across higher elevations, while valleys face bitter mornings and limited daytime recovery.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, outlooks from late January through mid-February strongly favor much below normal temperatures across the central Appalachians. This same Arctic pattern is driving extreme cold across the Midwest and Northeast, with subzero air pressing south and reinforcing a persistent deep-freeze setup across West Virginia.
The cold brings multiple hazards statewide. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are possible this weekend, especially across southern and eastern counties, creating slick conditions on I-64, I-77, I-79, U.S. Route 33, and mountain roadways. Rapid temperature drops also increase the risk of frost quakes, icy bridges, frozen pipes, and power disruptions, particularly in rural and high-elevation areas.
As for relief, only brief and limited moderation is expected at times, with no sustained warm-up likely before mid-February. Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel during icy periods, limit outdoor exposure, protect plumbing, and stay alert as additional winter weather advisories and cold alerts may be issued while this prolonged Arctic outbreak remains in place.
