Charleston, West Virginia — Mild, misty, and unsettled weather greeted residents across the Kanawha Valley early Wednesday, but the brief warmth won’t last long. A cold front sweeping across the region is set to deliver a sharp temperature drop, a brisk Thanksgiving Day, and the first hints of early winter across West Virginia.
The morning began with low clouds, patchy mist, and wet roads, but forecasters say improving conditions are already on the way. According to an early update from the National Weather Service in Charleston, a few lingering showers may persist through midday before giving way to clearing skies and a short-lived warm-up into the mid-60s. That comfortable air, however, will be quickly replaced by a surge of cooler temperatures as gusty west winds push a cold front across the state.
Early Showers Fade as Cold Front Approaches
Forecasters note that today’s weather will feel more like April than late November—at least for a few hours. Mild temperatures will climb toward 66°F, but the gusty winds tell a different story.
“We’ll see a noticeable wind shift this afternoon,” a National Weather Service Charleston meteorologist explained. “Some gusts may reach around 25 mph, and that will bring in significantly cooler air by this evening.”
By late afternoon, the cold front sweeps through the Kanawha Valley, ending the spring-like pattern and setting the stage for a much chillier holiday.
Thanksgiving Morning Turns Brisk and Sunny
Thanksgiving Day will feel sharply different from Wednesday’s warmth. Morning lows drop into the 30s, rising only to a chilly 41°F by the afternoon.
Despite the cold air, the day will be mostly sunny and dry—ideal for holiday travel along major routes such as I-64, I-77, and I-79. Families attending parades or planning outdoor gatherings should prepare for a brisk breeze, which will make conditions feel even colder.
“Travel looks excellent for Thanksgiving itself, but bundle up,” officials said in the early morning guidance.
The combination of sunshine and cold air sets the tone for a classic late-November holiday across central and southern West Virginia.
Friday and Saturday Bring Deeper Chill Before a Brief Warm-Up
The coldest morning of the holiday stretch arrives on Friday, when temperatures fall to around 26°F. Black Friday shoppers will step out into frosty air before enjoying a cold but bright afternoon in the mid-30s.
Saturday continues the seasonable pattern with highs near 43°F, ideal for residents beginning their Christmas decorating or outdoor preparations.
Conditions shift again by Sunday, when warmer air drives temperatures close to 60°F. Clouds will thicken throughout the day, bringing a return of late-evening rain that marks the next change in the weather pattern.
Models Hint at Strong Arctic Front in Early December
Meteorologists are closely watching a developing weather system forming across western Canada and dropping into the U.S. during the December 1–5 period. Early long-range models suggest a major Arctic front could sweep across the Midwest and Northeast, bringing heavy snow to those regions.
For Charleston and surrounding counties, this may translate into a stronger push of cold air and an early start to winter conditions as the calendar turns to December.
Although it’s early for detailed snowfall predictions, the trend is consistent enough to signal a notable temperature change to begin the new month.
Five-Day Forecast Summary
- Today (Wednesday): Scattered showers early, breezy, high around 66°F.
- Thursday (Thanksgiving): Sunny, crisp, highs near 41°F.
- Friday: Cold and clear, high around 36°F, morning low near 26°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, near 43°F.
- Sunday: Cloudy, warming to 60°F, rain developing late.
Conclusion
With the shift from mild showers to cold holiday air, West Virginia residents should be prepared for a brisk Thanksgiving and a chilly start to the weekend. The weather remains travel-friendly, but layers will be essential. Looking ahead, early December could bring a stronger taste of winter with the possibility of colder air moving into the region.
How are you preparing for the colder holiday weather? Share your experiences in the comments below.
