West Virginia Weather Radar

West Virginia climate

West Virginia's climate is heavily influenced by its mountainous terrain, making it one of the most topographically complex states east of the Mississippi. Nicknamed the Mountain State, its entire territory lies within the Appalachian region, with elevations ranging from 240 feet along the Potomac River to 4,863 feet at Spruce Knob. This elevation range creates dramatic temperature and precipitation differences across relatively short distances.

Flooding is the most destructive and recurring natural hazard in West Virginia, where steep terrain and narrow valleys funnel rainfall into fast-rising streams and rivers. The June 2016 flood killed 23 people and caused over $1 billion in damage, with some areas receiving 10 inches of rain in just a few hours. Flash flood warnings are a regular occurrence during spring and summer thunderstorm season.

The higher elevations of the Allegheny Mountains receive heavy snowfall, with Snowshoe Mountain averaging over 180 inches per season and supporting a ski resort. The Kanawha Valley around Charleston has a milder climate with less snow but is prone to fog and temperature inversions during winter. Summers are generally warm and humid in the valleys, though the mountains provide natural cooling that has historically made the state a summer retreat destination.