West Virginia’s climate is influenced by its location within the Appalachian Mountains, resulting in varied weather year-round. Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate, known as Köppen Cfa. Higher elevations, particularly in the Allegheny Mountains, experience a humid continental climate, classified as Dfa or Dfb.
General Climatic Characteristics
West Virginia’s climate features warm, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is generally distributed throughout the year. Average annual temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) in the high mountains to 55°F (13°C) in the southwestern lowlands and Eastern Panhandle. Annual precipitation averages around 45 inches, varying from under 32 inches in eastern sections to over 56 inches in the higher Allegheny Front, with some mountainous areas receiving around 65 inches annually.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
West Virginia experiences four well-defined seasons. Spring brings a noticeable warming trend and increased rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms. Summers are hot and humid across much of the state. Average July temperatures range from 67°F (19°C) in the Eastern Panhandle to 76°F (24°C) in western regions.
Summer afternoons frequently experience thunderstorms, and stagnant weather increases haze and humidity. Autumn transitions to cooler, drier weather, accompanied by vibrant fall foliage and decreased humidity. October tends to be one of the driest months. Winter brings cold temperatures and significant snowfall, particularly in mountainous areas. Average January temperatures vary from 26°F (-3.3°C) in the mountains to 41°F (5°C) in the southern lowlands, with sub-zero temperatures possible statewide.
Topographical Influences
West Virginia’s mountainous terrain profoundly shapes its climate, leading to considerable variations across the state. The state is part of the Appalachian Mountain system, boasting the highest average elevation east of the Mississippi River. Elevations range from 247 feet at Harpers Ferry to 4,863 feet at Spruce Knob. Higher altitudes experience cooler temperatures.
The varied topography also influences precipitation through orographic lift, where moist air forced upward by mountains cools and condenses, increasing rainfall and snowfall on windward slopes. Conversely, a rain shadow effect occurs on the leeward side of mountains, particularly east of the Allegheny Front and in the Eastern Panhandle, reducing precipitation. Valleys are also prone to dense fogs.
Common Weather Phenomena
West Virginia experiences several recurring weather phenomena driven by its climate and topography. Flooding is the state’s most impactful and costly natural hazard, often triggered by extreme precipitation over its rugged terrain. Flash flooding is a concern following intense rainfall. Thunderstorms are frequent, especially in summer, producing damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes.
West Virginia typically experiences between 40 and 50 thunderstorms annually, with areas like “Lightning Alley” near Parkersburg seeing higher activity. Significant snowfall is common in mountainous regions, where annual totals can exceed 100 inches, making them among the highest east of the Mississippi River. The state is also susceptible to summer heatwaves and winter cold snaps. Tornadoes occur, typically averaging two to five per year, and are usually weak. Other phenomena include ice storms, droughts, and remnants of tropical cyclones.