Cold in West Virginia, April 1 to 30, 1997

The monthly average temperature was 4 to 5 degrees colder than usual. It was the 4th coldest April this century at Elkins, and the 5th coldest at Charleston. The coldest temperatures came on the 9th and 10th of the month. Dawn temperatures fell into the upper teens and lower 20s for the lowlands. The 21 degrees at Charleston on the 10th was a record for the date. Readings in the mountains at dawn were mostly in the teens. The coldest was Snowshoe with 8 degrees and Glady with 9 degrees on the 10th. Highs on the 9th were only in the 30s and lower 40s. The exception was the high mountains, where Snoeshoe reached only 22 degrees. Highs on the 13th were also unusually cold, with more 30s and 40s. Another cold morning was on the 15th. Readings were in the upper teens to upper 20s. The 24 degrees at Beckley was a record for the 15th. After the mild winter, the sprouting of the spring vegetation was slowed during April. Some sensitive trees, like the Japanese maple, dropped their initial leaves. Early apples, peaches, ornamental plants, and shrubs such as the lilac, were also affected. The monetary value of this damage was unknown.