Fire dangers rise as strong winds and dry air moves in through Thursday morning

Tuesday we’re in the last hours of the winter 2023/24 season and it will certainly feel like it. Windy conditions expected most of the day however, the direction changes more westerly. Good news for drier conditions to help bring back sunshine but not enough to warm us up much. Temps struggle their way to the upper 40s and low 50s. Wind chills still cut into you a bit hovering in the upper 30s and low 40s all day. High profile vehicles will find the stronger winds tough on the north to south roadways.

Tonight a few clouds try to push in with a cold front but no precipitation is expected. The extra clouds will keep temps above freezing for most but winds increase 20-25mph with gusts 30-40mph, especially on the ridgelines.

Wind Advisory will be in effect at 9pm for Northwestern Pocahontas County through 8pm Wednesday. Wind chills still an issue making it feel like we’re in the teens and twenties.

Wednesday is looking dry but stout west-southwest winds really don’t leave much for enjoyment. Gusting 30-35mph at times with higher gusts possible in the mountains (up to 50mph possible), localized power outages are possible, downed tree limbs, and debris in roadways.

Luckily we don’t have much in the way of leaves on the trees yet which act like tiny sails later in the year. Temps will push back closer to seasonal averages in the mid 50s under partly sunny skies. Overnight lows drop with clearing skies back into the low to mid 20s.

Thursday winds relax quite a bit but change direction out of the west-northwest. Colder winds means temps take a hit. We’ll take most of the morning to warm out of the 20s back into the upper 40s and low 50s for the afternoon. It’ll feel warmer with less wind but still below average for this time of year. Clouds will filter in for the afternoon but rain looks to hold off late into the overnight with temps hovering close to freezing.

Friday is a messy day with rain for the lowlands and snow showers for the eastern mountains. It’ll be a gradual increase in precipitation so the morning side is looking better than the evening. While the system starts with mixed precipitation we’ll see warmer air trying to work in with southwest winds. Temps will be split with the low 40s for the mountains and low to mid 50s for the lowlands. Still, a slushy mess for the mountains so be mindful of changing driving conditions as the day progresses. Friday night the system exits with light rain scattered across the region. Mountains will see a rain/ice/snow mix before clearing into the overnight.

Saturday, northwest winds take over for a few passing snow showers for the folks in northwestern Pocahontas and western Greenbrier. Otherwise the sun and clouds of the day keep the lowlands dry. Temps take another hit dropping back into the low 50s for the afternoon. Winds will bite a bit from the northwest 10-15mph so expect wind chills in the 40s.

Sunday is looking a bit better with calmer west-southwest winds. A cold morning with a slow but steady warm up into the upper 50s and low 60s by the afternoon. Mountains will of course by stuck in the upper 40s and low 50s. Until our jet stream gets a fix on its final position for the season, the rollercoaster run in temps and passing storms looks to continue.

In your extended forecast, the warm to cold to warm, wet to dry to wet run continues with another rain maker pushing in Tuesday. Some winter mix still thrown in for the mountains. The annual change of season from winter to spring really keeping the lion and lamb at play for the month of March.

West Virginia Spring Fire Bans are still in effect, even if it doesn’t feel like spring out there. Watch for windy days and stretches of dry time when considering burning. Local laws will change based on weather forecasts so always check with your local WV Division of Forestry or Virginia Department of Forestry office for the latest on restrictions when burning. Spring Burn Bans for WV are in effect through May 31st. Virginia residents can’t burn before 4pm through April 30th.

TUESDAY
Mostly sunny, windy, chilly. Highs in the upper 40s.
WEDNESDAY
Windy but dry. Highs in the mid 50s.
THURSDAY
Cooler with sunshine. Highs in the low 50s.
FRIDAY
Rain/Ice/Snow. Messy day. Highs in the 50s (40s mtns)
SATURDAY
AM Mtn. Snow. Mostly Cloudy PM. Highs in the low 50s.
SUNDAY
Sunny but breezy. Highs near 60.
MONDAY
Sunshine AM, increasing clouds PM. Highs in the upper 50s.
TUESDAY
Increasing rain chances. Highs in the 50s.
WEDNESDAY
Rainy & breezy. Highs near 60.
THURSDAY
Sct. showers, slow clearing PM. Highs in the 40s.

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