Showers Soak Southern Coalfields as Storm Nears

Heavy showers moved through Tazewell and McDowell Counties on Election Day, with another storm front expected to bring rain Wednesday evening through Thursday.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Current Conditions

Wet forested ridgelines under low gray clouds, with mist and rain over a narrow valley and a winding wet road. — Rain moved through Tazewell and McDowell Counties on Election Day, ending a dry spell in the southern West Virginia coalfields as another storm front approaches Wednesday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Showers moved through the southern West Virginia coalfields on November 2, 2026, ending by afternoon after heavy rain in Tazewell and McDowell Counties following a dry stretch of a couple of weeks. Temperatures ran well above normal, with Election Day highs near 70 degrees, more than 10 degrees above the seasonal average.

Why it matters

The rain ends a dry spell in the coalfields while the mild stretch continues across West Virginia. A new storm front moving through the Great Lakes is expected to bring rain back to the state later this week, with isolated flooding possible in low-lying areas.

Election Day highs reached about 70 degrees, more than 10 degrees above the Beckley average of 58 degrees. Forecasters have not yet specified rainfall totals for the Wednesday through Thursday system.

The details

Showers moved through Tazewell and McDowell Counties on Monday, with heavy rain in parts of the southern coalfields, and clouds lingered afterward with only a few breaks of sunshine. The showers were not strong or severe, and skies cleared Monday night, allowing temperatures to drop into the mid-40s.

November 2, 2026: Showers move through the southern coalfields and end by afternoon.
November 3, 2026: Election Day brings mild, sunny weather with highs near 70 degrees.
November 4, 2026: Rain chances return Wednesday evening and continue through much of Thursday.
November 8, 2026: Lows are forecast in the mid-30s by Sunday morning.

Seasonal Patterns

Election Day highs about 10 degrees above Beckley's 58-degree average high mark a departure from the typical early-November pattern for the region. The forecast mid-30s lows by Sunday fall well below the city's 38-degree average low and signal a sharp return to seasonal cool temperatures.

Residents in low-lying spots should watch for isolated flooding as rain returns Wednesday evening through Thursday. Cooler overnight temperatures arriving by Sunday morning will call for adjusted plans for outdoor activities.

The takeaway

Mild Election Day weather gives way to a return to typical early-November conditions, with rain and cooler air arriving later this week. Plan outdoor activities for Wednesday evening and Thursday with the chance of wet conditions in mind.