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Ritchie County Climate

Ritchie County, West Virginia

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec52.9°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

52.9°F

Annual Precip

47.3"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

18

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
3.6"
3.3"
4.1"
3.8"
4.9"
4.6"
5.4"
3.9"
3.5"
3.3"
3.0"
3.8"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,327

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/26
First fall frost (32°F): 10/17

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring42°63°12.8"Summer70°73°13.9"Fall43°66°9.8"Winter31°35°10.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 43% of US counties
Wetter than 66% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 50% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Ritchie County

Climate Verdict

Ritchie County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 52.9°F, moderately wet with 47.3 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 17.7 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 30.5°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.4°F. The 43°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Ritchie County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Ritchie County closely matches the West Virginia statewide average temperature of 52.8°F.

Climate Profile

About Ritchie County Weather

Typical Mid-Atlantic Weather Patterns

Ritchie County's 52.9°F average temperature aligns closely with the national median. It experiences a standard humid continental climate with moderate rainfall and distinct seasons.

Mirroring the West Virginia Average

Ritchie's 52.9°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the state average of 52.8°F. Its precipitation of 47.3 inches is also very close to the statewide norm of 47.0 inches.

Warmer Than Mountainous Neighbors

Ritchie is notably warmer than Randolph County, averaging about 4.4 degrees higher annually. It experiences 18 heat days per year, which is more intense than the higher elevations to the east.

Warm Summers and Average Winters

Summers are active with 18 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 73.4°F. While specific snowfall data is limited for this county, the 30.5°F January average indicates typical freezing winter conditions.

Balanced Seasonal Planning Required

Residents should maintain both efficient heating and cooling systems to handle 18 heat days and freezing winters. The 47.3 inches of rain suggests a need for standard gutter and basement maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Ritchie County?
The average annual temperature in Ritchie County, WV is 52.9°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Ritchie County get?
Ritchie County receives an average of 47.3 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Ritchie County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Ritchie County is 71.9°F. The county experiences an average of 18 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Ritchie County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Ritchie County is 33.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 30.5°F.

Track your own weather in Ritchie County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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