Cold, Wind, and Slick Roads Likely to Persist Across West Virginia Today

Buckhannon, WV; December 15th, 2025

As the day gets underway, cold winter conditions are likely to persist across much of West Virginia, with limited improvement expected through the afternoon. Cold air remains established near the surface, and existing snowpack in parts of the state is expected to continue influencing temperatures and road conditions.

Morning temperatures are starting very cold, generally in the single digits to teens, and while some daytime recovery is expected, temperatures are likely to remain below freezing statewide. Lowland and river valley areas may reach the mid to upper 20s this afternoon, while central and northern portions of the state are more likely to remain in the low to mid 20s. Mountain regions are expected to stay colder, with highs probably limited to the upper teens or low 20s. Any melting during the day is expected to be minimal and uneven.

Winds are expected to remain a factor through the day, with sustained speeds around 10 to 20 miles per hour and gusts possibly reaching 20 to 30 miles per hour in exposed areas such as ridges, gaps, and open terrain. These winds will likely keep wind chills in the single digits to teens for much of the day, even during the warmest afternoon hours.

No significant new snowfall is expected today, but existing snow is likely to remain dry and powdery. At times, gusty winds may lift and move fine snow across open areas, briefly reducing visibility and lightly re-covering portions of roadways.

Road conditions are likely to remain problematic in many locations. Cold pavement temperatures suggest that refreezing will continue, and black ice may be present where roads appear wet or dark. Chemical treatments may have reduced effectiveness due to the cold, meaning slick spots could persist even on treated roads. Bridges, overpasses, shaded curves, secondary roads, and mountain routes are most likely to remain hazardous, while heavily traveled main roads may see modest improvement during the afternoon before refreezing again this evening.

Overall, today is expected to remain cold and challenging for travel in parts of West Virginia, with only limited daytime improvement and an increased risk of refreeze as temperatures drop again after sunset.

Confidence level: 90%

Weather forecasting is based on the best available data, pattern recognition, and historical behavior of the atmosphere, but is hardly ever absolute; small changes in wind direction, cloud cover, or timing can shift local conditions, especially in complex terrain. Forecasts describe what is most likely to happen, not what is guaranteed to happen, and conditions can always evolve faster or slower than expected.