ELKINS, W.Va. – A crisp fall chill will settle over the central West Virginia highlands early Thursday morning, bringing the season’s first widespread frost and potential damage to unprotected plants.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Frost Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. EDT Thursday for Taylor, Upshur, Barbour, Webster, Randolph, and Pocahontas counties. Overnight temperatures are forecast to drop to around 32 degrees, especially in valleys and rural hollows near Elkins, Buckhannon, and Webster Springs.
Clear skies, light winds, and dry air will create ideal conditions for frost formation across the Allegheny Highlands, including communities such as Grafton, Philippi, Cowen, and Snowshoe. Areas along U.S. Route 33 and State Route 20 could see thin frost on windshields and bridge decks before sunrise.
The NWS advises residents to cover or bring in tender plants, disconnect outdoor hoses, and ensure pets have warm overnight shelter. Motorists should plan extra time for morning commutes as frost may reduce visibility and make surfaces slick in shaded areas.
Temperatures will climb into the upper 50s and low 60s by Thursday afternoon under clear skies. Another cold morning is possible Friday before a gradual weekend warm-up with highs approaching the upper 60s. Dry, sunny conditions are expected to persist through Saturday before clouds increase late Sunday.
