Monongahela National Forest, WV

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Monongahela National Forest outdoor landscape in West Virginia
Monongahela National Forest — MonNatForest.jpg

Today’s Forecast:

🌧
61°F
High: 62° | Low: 50°
Current Temperature
Light Rain
Station: KEKN
Observed at: 10:30 pm CDT on 10/10/26
Wind: 5 mph | Humidity: 77%
⚠️
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 9:48PM EDT until October 11 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV (Expires: October 11, 2026 10:00 am)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description: * WHAT...Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Virginia and northeast, southeast, and southern West Virginia. * WHEN...Until 11 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong east to southeasterly wind field aloft associated with the remnants of Isaias will move over the region into Sunday. Interaction with the higher terrain will help to transport these higher wind speeds to the surface in a sporadic fashion. The strongest winds will be observed along ridgelines and areas favored for enhanced downslope flow. Instructions: Additional information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/rlx as well as on our X and Facebook pages.
Tonight:Rain showers likely before midnight, then rain between midnight and 5am, then rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday:Rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms before 8am, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Southeast wind 6 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday Night:Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. West wind 2 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

Not Recommended
  19 /100

Not Recommended for hiking. High near 60°F. Risk of rain later today (59%). Light wind (12 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 17/100
Not Recommended for hiking. High near 62°F. High rain probability (98%). Breezy winds (20 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

⛺ Camping

Not Recommended
  19 /100

Not Recommended for camping. High near 60°F. Risk of rain later today (59%). Light wind (12 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 15/100
Not Recommended for camping. High near 62°F. High rain probability (98%). Breezy winds (20 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

🐟 Fishing

Use Caution
  43 /100

Use Caution for fishing. High near 60°F. Risk of rain later today (59%). Breezy winds (12 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 11/100
Not Recommended for fishing. High near 62°F. High rain probability (98%). Breezy winds (20 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

🚲 Biking

Not Recommended
  23 /100

Not Recommended for biking. High near 60°F. Rain forecast later today (59%). Light wind (12 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 15/100
Not Recommended for biking. High near 62°F. High rain probability (98%). Breezy winds (20 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

🎪 Outdoor Events / Activities

Use Caution
  43 /100

Use Caution for outdoor events / activities. High near 60°F. Rain forecast later today (59%). Light wind (12 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 15/100
Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 62°F. High rain probability (98%). Breezy winds (20 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

About Monongahela National Forest

Monongahela National Forest covers varied terrain where elevation, tree cover, stream crossings, and road access create distinctly local conditions.

Planning an Outing at Monongahela National Forest

Compare the valley forecast with ridge conditions, then verify road, trail, facility, and event notices for the exact area you plan to use. Build in time for changing weather, daylight, and a shorter backup option.

Weather Tips for Monongahela National Forest

  • Expect cooler temperatures, stronger wind, and lower visibility on ridges and exposed overlooks than in nearby towns.
  • Carry an alternate route when fog, ice, fallen trees, or seasonal road closures affect high-country access.
  • Verify snow cover, grooming, lift or trail operations, and road traction before committing to winter travel.
  • Check official notices for Elkins and the specific trailhead, campground, launch, or facility you intend to use.

Nearby Towns and Areas

Use this forecast as practical context for outdoor plans near:

  • Elkins
  • Bartow
  • Marlinton
  • Richwood
  • Seneca Rocks
  • Greenbrier Ranger District

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Choose the route, launch, campsite, trail plan, fishing window, or event time that leaves a useful margin for weather and access.

7-Day Forecast for Monongahela National Forest

🌧
61°F
High: 62° | Low: 50°
Current Temperature
Light Rain
Station: KEKN
Observed at: 10:30 pm CDT on 10/10/26
Wind: 5 mph | Humidity: 77%
Sun ⛈
62° 54°
98%
Mon 🌧
60° 49°
59%
Tue ☀
73° 56°
1%
Wed 🌧
70° 53°
17%
Thu 🌧
67° 50°
39%
Fri 🌧
62° 40°
46%
Sat 🌧
50° --°
29%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

62° Sun 60° Mon 73° Tue 70° Wed 67° Thu 62° Fri 50° Sat

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

54° Sun 49° Mon 56° Tue 53° Wed 50° Thu 40° Fri 50° Sat

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 65 Sun 94 Mon 100 Tue 100 Wed 95 Thu 95 Fri 70 Sat
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: October 11, 2026 9:12 pm CDT

Monongahela National Forest Weather by Season

Winter

Short daylight, freeze-thaw cycles, shaded ice, and occasional snow can complicate roads and trails. Established mountain recreation can be excellent when snow, grooming, and operations align. Check local conditions near Elkins before departure.

Spring

Frequent rain, high streams, soft trails, and rapidly changing temperatures make flexible routes important. Respect closures intended to protect saturated surfaces. Check local conditions near Bartow before departure.

Summer

Heat, humidity, thunderstorms, ticks, and occasional wildfire smoke favor early starts and reliable water. Leave exposed water or ridges before lightning arrives. Check local conditions near Marlinton before departure.

Fall

Cooler air and foliage make this a popular season, but wet leaves, morning frost, hunting activity, and shorter daylight deserve extra planning. Check local conditions near Richwood before departure.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Annual average temperature: roughly 45–52°F in nearby valleys, with substantially cooler conditions on high ridges and summits.
  • Annual snowfall: commonly 50–100 inches in mountain communities, with much more on the highest windward ridges.
  • Warmest months: July is generally warmest, with cooler conditions at elevation and near open water.
  • Coolest months: January is usually coolest, especially in high mountain valleys and on exposed ridges.
  • Wettest season: Late spring is often wet; summer thunderstorms and tropical remnants can also produce heavy rain.
  • Driest season: Early fall often provides comparatively settled periods, though rain remains possible year-round.
  • Best outdoor window: Late spring through fall for most warm-season outings; winter destinations depend on current snow, access, and operations.