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Charleston, WV Weather Alert: Patchy Frost Expected Oct 18
Charleston, WV – A sharp weekend cooldown is expected to bring patchy frost to the Charleston area early Sunday, October 18, as temperatures fall to approximately 34 degrees following Friday's forecas
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-16T07:57:58.952Z
Charleston, WV – A sharp weekend cooldown is expected to bring patchy frost to the Charleston area early Sunday, October 18, as temperatures fall to approximately 34 degrees following Friday's forecast high of 77. The approaching cold air could threaten sensitive outdoor plants and gardens across the Kanawha Valley, particularly in sheltered locations where temperatures may fall lower than nearby reporting stations. Residents should prepare for a noticeably colder weekend before sunshine and a gradual warming trend return to the region beginning Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service forecast for Charleston, patchy frost could begin developing after 3 a.m. Sunday, with areas of frost possible before 9 a.m. The city is expected to reach a low near 34 degrees Saturday night, just two degrees above freezing. Although the forecast does not establish a widespread freeze, temperatures this close to 32 degrees can support frost formation under favorable conditions, making early Sunday the most important period for residents protecting vulnerable vegetation.
Frost Threat Develops After Saturday's Cooldown The transition begins Saturday as afternoon temperatures struggle to reach 56 degrees despite partly sunny skies. North winds of 11 to 14 mph could gust as high as 24 mph, reinforcing the cooler conditions across Charleston and surrounding Kanawha County communities. By Saturday evening, winds are expected to weaken, with mostly clear skies allowing temperatures to continue falling. The combination of lighter winds, clearing skies and temperatures in the mid 30s will create favorable conditions for frost development before sunrise.
The potential impact extends beyond the temperature reading alone. Frost can form on exposed surfaces even when the official air temperature remains slightly above freezing, especially in sheltered or low lying locations. Gardeners with late season vegetables, flowering plants or other frost sensitive vegetation should consider protective coverings before Saturday night. The forecast identifies patchy frost initially, followed by more widespread areas of frost Sunday morning, making the early hours particularly important for outdoor preparations.
Weekend Temperature Drop Changes Outdoor Conditions Friday's forecast high of 77 degrees contrasts sharply with Saturday night's expected low near 34, representing a 43 degree difference across the two day period. The change follows Friday's anticipated showers, with an 80% precipitation chance and temperatures falling during the afternoon. Winds could gust to 26 mph Friday before cooler and drier conditions settle across the area Saturday.
Travel conditions should generally improve as the weekend progresses, although drivers along Interstate 64, Interstate 77 and Interstate 79 may encounter wet pavement during Friday's showers. The supplied forecast does not indicate freezing precipitation, accumulating snow or confirmed icy roadway conditions for Sunday morning. The primary concern remains frost affecting exposed vegetation rather than a significant winter weather transportation hazard.
Sunshine and Warmer Temperatures Return Next Week The coldest conditions should ease Sunday afternoon as sunshine helps temperatures recover to approximately 61 degrees. Sunday night is expected to remain mostly clear, with a low near 38 degrees. Monday brings another improvement, with sunny skies and temperatures climbing to around 66 degrees, providing a more comfortable start to the workweek after the chilly weekend.
The warming trend continues Tuesday and Wednesday, when afternoon highs are forecast near 68 and 70 degrees, respectively. Thursday could reach approximately 71 degrees under sunny skies. Overnight lows are also expected to moderate, reducing the immediate frost concern after Sunday morning. For residents across the Charleston area, the weekend's main weather story is the brief but potentially damaging frost threat before milder fall conditions return.
Are you planning to cover outdoor plants or bring them inside before Sunday morning's frost?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/16: Showers are expected mainly before 5 p.m., with an 80% precipitation chance and temperatures reaching 77 degrees before falling later in the day. Southwest winds may gust to 26 mph, with nighttime lows around 46 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Partly sunny skies and cooler temperatures are expected, with a high near 56 degrees and north winds gusting to 24 mph. Mostly clear skies Saturday night will allow temperatures to fall near 34 degrees, with patchy frost developing after 3 a.m.
Sunday 10/18: Areas of frost are expected before 9 a.m., followed by sunny skies and an afternoon high near 61 degrees. Mostly clear conditions should continue Sunday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 38 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunshine and warmer temperatures return, with an afternoon high near 66 degrees. Mostly clear skies are expected Monday night, with temperatures falling to around 41 degrees as the weekend cold spell begins easing.
Tuesday 10/20: Sunny skies continue with a high near 68 degrees, extending the gradual warming trend across Charleston. Mostly clear conditions are expected Tuesday night, with temperatures dropping to approximately 44 degrees.
Extended Outlook Wednesday, October 21, is forecast to be sunny with a high near 70 degrees and a nighttime low around 45. Thursday, October 22, should remain sunny with a high near 71 degrees.