Honestly, if you’re looking up the weather for clendenin wv, you’re probably either planning a trip down the Elk River or you’re a local trying to figure out if you need to salt the driveway tonight. Clendenin is one of those places where the sky has a personality. It’s a town defined by its river and its narrow valley, and that geography plays a massive role in how the "official" forecast actually feels when you step out onto your porch.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, we’re seeing a classic West Virginia winter mix. The current temperature is sitting at 37°F, but with the wind coming out of the south at 6 mph, it feels more like 32°F. It’s mostly cloudy, which is pretty much the standard uniform for Kanawha County this time of year.
The Immediate Forecast: Snow is Coming
If you have plans for Friday night, you might want to keep an eye on the clouds. While today stays mostly cloudy with a high of 37°F, the real shift happens after dark. We’re looking at a 73% chance of snow showers tonight, with the temperature dropping down to a crisp 16°F.
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, doesn't offer much of a break. It's going to be a "snow shower" kind of day with a high of 40°F and a low of 22°F. The humidity is jumping up to 74%, and the wind is picking up from the southwest at 12 mph. Basically, it’s going to be damp, cold, and a bit blustery.
Looking further into the week:
- Sunday: Partly sunny but much colder, peaking at only 27°F.
- Monday: High of 28°F, but look out for that night—it's dropping to 10°F.
- Tuesday: The sun comes out, but it stays freezing with a high of 26°F and a low of 9°F.
Why Clendenin Weather is Different
Most people just check a generic app and assume that because Clendenin is close to Charleston, the weather is identical. That’s a mistake. Because the town is tucked into the Elk River valley, it often traps cold air longer than the flatter areas. We call it "cold air damming" sometimes, but mostly it just means your car will have frost when your buddy’s in Charleston doesn't.
And we have to talk about the river. The Elk River is the lifeblood of this town, but it’s also the source of its most legendary weather stories. Anyone who lived through the June 2016 flood knows that "heavy rain" in Clendenin can mean something entirely different than it does elsewhere. In that event, the river surged nearly 30 feet at Queen Shoals. It wasn't just a storm; it was a "thousand-year event."
When you see a forecast for 2 or 3 inches of rain over a short period in the summer, locals don't just look at the sky—they look at the river gauges.
Seasonal Realities: What to Expect Year-Round
If you're moving here or just visiting, here is the "no-nonsense" breakdown of the seasons:
Winter (December - February): It’s gray. Let's be real. January is usually the coldest month, with average highs around 43°F and lows near 28°F. You’ll get about 2.5 inches of snow on average in January, but it’s the ice and the "mixed" precipitation that usually causes the most headaches on the backroads.
Spring (March - May): This is when the valley turns neon green. Temperatures climb fast, hitting the 70s by May. However, this is also a high-moisture time. The ground gets saturated, and the Elk River starts to look a bit more muscular.
Summer (June - August): Hot and muggy. July is the hottest month, with highs averaging 84°F. It’s the kind of heat that makes the air feel thick enough to chew. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost a daily occurrence, often providing a quick 20-minute soak before the sun comes back out.
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Fall (September - November): This is Clendenin's "gold medal" season. October is historically the driest month, making it perfect for the local festivals and leaf-peeping. The humidity drops, the skies clear up, and the mornings get that perfect Appalachian bite.
Actionable Tips for Clendenin Weather
- Trust the Gauge, Not Just the App: If you’re worried about water, check the USGS gauge for the Elk River at Queen Shoals. It’s the most accurate way to see what the water is actually doing near town.
- Dress in Layers: In the winter and spring, a 30-degree swing between sunrise and 2:00 PM is totally normal.
- The "Valley Effect": If the forecast says "partly cloudy," expect it to stay foggy in the valley until at least 10:00 AM.
- Winter Driving: Route 4 and the smaller roads snaking off it can get slick fast. If there’s a 73% chance of snow like we're seeing tonight, salt your walkways before the temp hits that 16°F low.
The weather for clendenin wv is rarely boring. It’s a mix of mountain unpredictability and river-valley humidity. Whether you’re gearing up for a freezing 9°F Tuesday or just waiting for the snow showers to start tonight, just remember: if you don't like the weather here, wait an hour. It’ll probably change.
Next Steps for You:
- Prepare for tonight's 73% chance of snow by clearing any outdoor drains or sensitive equipment before the temperature drops to 16°F.
- If you have travel plans on Tuesday, plan for extreme cold as the overnight low hits 9°F.
- Bookmark the Queen Shoals river gauge if you live near the banks, especially with the "rain and snow" mix predicted for next Wednesday.