Weather
Charleston, WV Weather: Freeze Before 69°F Warmup Oct. 18-20
CHARLESTON, WV – Residents across much of West Virginia and neighboring portions of Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia are preparing for freezing temperatures early Sunday, Oct. 18, as a widespread Freeze Wa
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-18T00:54:48.660Z
CHARLESTON, WV – Residents across much of West Virginia and neighboring portions of Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia are preparing for freezing temperatures early Sunday, Oct. 18, as a widespread Freeze Warning threatens sensitive plants, crops and unprotected outdoor plumbing. Temperatures could fall as low as 28 degrees in some locations between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. EDT, making the overnight cold the most immediate weather concern before warmer conditions return next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, West Virginia, the Freeze Warning remains in effect from 1 a.m. until 9 a.m. Sunday. The warning covers portions of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia and multiple regions of West Virginia, including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Beckley, Clarksburg and surrounding communities. Forecasters warn that frost and freezing conditions could kill sensitive vegetation and potentially damage exposed plumbing.
The official warning, updated at 3:04 p.m. Saturday, identifies temperatures as low as 28 degrees across the affected region. While the forecast for Charleston itself calls for an overnight low near 32 degrees, colder locations could experience temperatures several degrees below freezing. Local terrain, elevation and sheltered valleys can influence how quickly temperatures fall overnight.
The warning carries particular importance for homeowners, gardeners and agricultural operations. The National Weather Service advises residents to take precautions to protect tender plants from the cold. Moving potted plants indoors, covering sensitive vegetation and protecting vulnerable outdoor plumbing may help reduce potential damage.
Frost could remain a concern early Monday, Oct. 19, even after Sunday's Freeze Warning expires. The Charleston forecast calls for areas of frost before 9 a.m. Monday, followed by sunshine and a high near 68 degrees. This rapid transition from freezing mornings to mild afternoons will mark the beginning of a warmer weather pattern across the Kanawha Valley.
Five Day West Virginia Weather Outlook: Oct. 20 24 Tuesday, Oct. 20: Sunny skies are expected across Charleston, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 69 degrees before mostly clear conditions allow temperatures to fall to around 40 degrees overnight.
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Sunshine continues across the Kanawha Valley, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 69 degrees before mostly clear skies accompany an overnight low near 42 degrees.
Thursday, Oct. 22: Another sunny day is forecast, with afternoon temperatures near 69 degrees before mostly clear nighttime conditions bring temperatures down to approximately 44 degrees.
Friday, Oct. 23: Sunny skies are expected across Charleston, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 68 degrees before mostly clear conditions continue overnight with a low near 44 degrees.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Sunshine continues into the weekend, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 69 degrees, maintaining the mild and generally dry weather pattern.
Extended Outlook: Oct. 25 26 The supplied National Weather Service forecast extends through Saturday, Oct. 24, and does not establish specific conditions for Sunday, Oct. 25, or Monday, Oct. 26. Updated guidance will be necessary to determine whether mild temperatures persist or another cold weather system approaches the region.
For residents across Kanawha County, Cabell County, Wood County and surrounding communities, the immediate priority remains protecting vulnerable plants and outdoor plumbing before Sunday's early morning freeze. The official warning indicates that temperatures could fall low enough to cause damage, particularly in locations that experience several hours below freezing.
Motorists traveling along Interstate 64, Interstate 77 and Interstate 79 should remain aware of colder temperatures during early morning hours. Frost may develop on exposed surfaces, although the supplied forecast does not establish widespread icy road conditions.
The upcoming warming trend will provide relief from the overnight cold, with afternoon temperatures returning to the upper 60s by Tuesday. However, residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts for any additional frost or freeze concerns.