CHARLESTON, W.Va. – NOAA’s newest winter outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, suggests West Virginia will see a colder, snowier start to 2026 — with multiple winter storms and icy episodes expected between January and March. The Climate Prediction Center’s latest maps show above-normal precipitation and below-normal temperatures across the central Appalachians, consistent with a strengthening La Niña pattern.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, “West Virginia sits in a prime zone for active winter weather this year. Expect frequent snow systems and prolonged cold periods through late February.” Northern and central counties, including Morgantown, Elkins, and Clarksburg, could see several half-foot snowfalls, while the higher ridges near Snowshoe and Beckley may pile up even more.
Forecasters expect alternating snow, sleet, and ice in lower valleys during temperature swings — particularly along I-79, I-64, and the West Virginia Turnpike. Late January through mid-February appears most favorable for heavy, wet snow that can weigh down trees and power lines. Emergency officials advise checking generators, heating systems, and road supplies before the next Arctic surge.
Even as March arrives, NOAA expects below-average temperatures to linger, with late-season snow still possible in the mountains. Stream and river flooding could follow once a sustained thaw sets in.
For West Virginia, Winter 2026 looks long and demanding — a season marked by deep cold, steady snow, and the need for full readiness from the hollows to the high ridges.
