Freeze Warning Issued for Charleston, West Virginia as Temperatures Drop to 29°
CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston has issued a Freeze Warning for large portions of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia, and central and southern West Virginia, as cold air sweeps across the region overnight.
The warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday, with forecasters predicting temperatures to dip to 29°F or lower, particularly in valley locations where frost and hard freeze conditions are most likely.
Communities Affected Across Four States
The freeze warning covers several major cities, including Charleston, Huntington, Ashland, Logan, Marietta, and Pikeville, as well as smaller rural areas in Wayne, Putnam, Mingo, and Lawrence counties.
The NWS cautions that this could be one of the coldest mornings so far this fall, and residents should take precautions to protect plants, pets, and plumbing before temperatures reach their lowest point near sunrise.
“Sub-freezing temperatures can damage or kill sensitive vegetation and may cause unprotected pipes to freeze and burst,” officials said.
Safety Tips for Homeowners
To minimize damage during the cold spell, meteorologists recommend a few key safety measures:
- Bring potted plants indoors or cover outdoor vegetation with sheets or tarps.
- Wrap exposed plumbing and drain outdoor sprinkler systems.
- Allow indoor faucets to drip slowly overnight to prevent pipe freezing.
- Ensure outdoor pets have adequate shelter and warmth.
Officials also warn that morning frost could make roads and walkways slick in shaded or low-lying areas before the sun rises.
Cold Air Settles Into Mountain Valleys
According to the NWS, the combination of clear skies and calm winds will allow temperatures to fall rapidly overnight as heat escapes from the surface.
“This setup is perfect for radiational cooling,” said NWS meteorologist John Walden. “The coldest readings will be in valleys and rural areas, where air tends to pool and temperatures drop the fastest.”
By midmorning Friday, conditions are expected to improve as temperatures climb into the mid-40s, with continued sunshine and dry air through the afternoon.
A Sign of Seasonal Change
This freeze warning marks another step in the transition from fall to early winter across Appalachia. The NWS said additional cold fronts could follow in the coming weeks, potentially bringing another round of sub-freezing temperatures to the area.
Local farmers are especially urged to take precautions, as the first widespread freeze of the season typically signals the end of the growing season for many crops in the region.
Weekend Outlook: Gradual Warming
Forecasters expect a gradual warm-up heading into the weekend, with daytime highs reaching the upper 50s and low 60s across much of the Charleston area by Sunday. However, clear skies will continue to bring chilly overnight lows, keeping frost concerns in place through early next week.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on local forecasts as fall’s first deep freeze settles in across the Ohio and Kanawha valleys.
Have you experienced freezing temperatures in your area? Share your photos and cold-weather preparations with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
