Winters in Fairmont, WV (Morgantown, Elkins: spring break, school, university)

[ButterflyTatus]

Can anyone tell me what the winter weather is like in Fairmont, WV? I am strongly considering moving there to go to school due to an accident induced career change.

How often does the weather go below freezing?
How often does it snow?
What is the average temperature?

WV wasn't on my list of places, but the school (Fairmont State) is EXACTLY what I am looking for, in every way possible - except maybe the weather. The freezing winter weather here in New England is something I am looking to leave behind. (Avg. winter temperatures are generally somewhere in the teens and below; with wind chills making it feel below zero) I don't mind cold - but I can no longer tolerate that kind of cold!! Also, how long does "winter" usually last? (Here in New England, it lasts from Nov.-April).

Thanks!!

Kimberly

P.S. to the people of traditional college age who complain about "nothing to do": I am 34...I will be there for an education, not to party!

[snorpus]

Well, it's West Virginia, you're going to have winters in Fairmont too. I don't know what part of New England you'll be comparing it to, could be better, could be worse.

Fairmont probably averages around 50" of snow per season, with January and February being the two heaviest months. Probably a 50/50 chance of a white Christmas. Average winter highs will be in the mid-30s, with the average low probably 20-25 degrees. There probably will be 4-6 fairly heavy snows (4" or more) and probably 1 (but maybe two) real heavy snows, of the 8"+ variety.

By comparison, I believe Elkins averages around 100" a year, and Davis (Blackwater Falls) gets 150-180".

In Fairmont, there may be a few flurries in November, but seldom any significant snow until December. (Exception: The Thanksgiving Day snow of 1950!) There will seldom be significant snowfall past the middle of March.

Congrats on deciding to go back to school, I think that's a very wise move. If Fairmont State University has what you're looking for, go for it, and just put up with the weather.

Snorpus

[Love2LiveNCities]

Originally Posted by ButterflyTatus

Can anyone tell me what the winter weather is like in Fairmont, WV? I am strongly considering moving there to go to school due to an accident induced career change.

How often does the weather go below freezing?
How often does it snow?
What is the average temperature?

WV wasn't on my list of places, but the school (Fairmont State) is EXACTLY what I am looking for, in every way possible - except maybe the weather. The freezing winter weather here in New England is something I am looking to leave behind. (Avg. winter temperatures are generally somewhere in the teens and below; with wind chills making it feel below zero) I don't mind cold - but I can no longer tolerate that kind of cold!! Also, how long does "winter" usually last? (Here in New England, it lasts from Nov.-April).

Thanks!!

Kimberly

P.S. to the people of traditional college age who complain about "nothing to do": I am 34...I will be there for an education, not to party!

I went to Fairmont State this year right in the heart which is where i take your going. Oct 11th was the first day of snow and it only did a dusting. and it didnt stop till about the 3rd week in april. It was pretty much always cold and always at least Flurrys going on. Never really got ALOT but it would snow 2 inches, melt an inch, ice snow 3 inches melt, snow, ice it just never really stopped we had the same snow in our parking lot throughout the winter and all it would do is melt, freeze and get snowed on again. Its not to terrible as far as driving because its not in the heart of the moutains but it definitly is slightly uncomfortable as far as cold goes

[MDgirlMovingSouth]

I went to college in Morgantown, about 20 minutes from Fairmont. I'm from Maryland and didn't find the winters to be too different- but they are LONGER. This past winter there was a light snow on Halloween, and in early April it was still REALLY cold. Like people said, the worst months are January and February. The most amount of snow I ever saw at one given time was about 8 inches. WVU didn't cancel class, not sure about Fairmont State (I feel like they cancelled a lot more than WVU ever did!). I have several friends from upstate NY and Massachusetts who think WV winters are mild.

[ButterflyTatus]

Originally Posted by MDgirlMovingSouth

I went to college in Morgantown, about 20 minutes from Fairmont. I'm from Maryland and didn't find the winters to be too different- but they are LONGER. This past winter there was a light snow on Halloween, and in early April it was still REALLY cold. Like people said, the worst months are January and February. The most amount of snow I ever saw at one given time was about 8 inches. WVU didn't cancel class, not sure about Fairmont State (I feel like they cancelled a lot more than WVU ever did!). I have several friends from upstate NY and Massachusetts who think WV winters are mild.

Thank you for all the 411!! I had to laugh at the last line written here - about WV winters being "mild" because, compared to New England, they DO sound mild!! I was in DC in January a few years back, and temps were around 40 degrees and I wasn't wearing a coat - just a sweater - and everyone asked me if I was from Alaska...

My worry was, it being a mountainous region, the winters would be like Nanook of the North. I realize WV isn't tropical; but compared to New England, your winters sound like Spring Break to me! I look forward to moving down that way...

P.S. This year in RI, the weather was really weird...winter started in January and went through Memorial Day!

[MDgirlMovingSouth]

Originally Posted by ButterflyTatus

Thank you for all the 411!! I had to laugh at the last line written here - about WV winters being "mild" because, compared to New England, they DO sound mild!! I was in DC in January a few years back, and temps were around 40 degrees and I wasn't wearing a coat - just a sweater - and everyone asked me if I was from Alaska...

My worry was, it being a mountainous region, the winters would be like Nanook of the North. I realize WV isn't tropical; but compared to New England, your winters sound like Spring Break to me! I look forward to moving down that way...

P.S. This year in RI, the weather was really weird...winter started in January and went through Memorial Day!

If you're a New Englander, you'll be fine. Just brace yourself for windy, hilly, unplowed roads. If Fairmont is the same as Morgantown, the snow plow system is terrible! (Atleast compared to what I'm used to). Again though, this is all relative- My roommate was from Erie and nearly died laughing when I refused to drive in 4 inches of snow.

[vpo3]

i moved to fairmont, wv in july 2006, so have experienced only 1 winter. i nearly froze to death. people here say that last winter was mild, but it got down to 8 degrees more than once. because it is so hilly here (every street seems to be on a hill), driving was very difficult at times. sometimes, you can't make it up certain streets in the winter. you slide down because of the snow and ice. so, you have to find an alternate route to get home. to get into my driveway, i would have to make a running start. otherwise, my car would slide back down the hill.

fairmont is a college town. as you know FSU is here. they like to party and drive fast. it cannot not affect you. however, if you are aware of this, you can be on the lookout and try to stay out of the college area on weekends. hope this little bit of information helps.

[mswva]

There is plenty of flat areas to park..or you could find somewhere to live within walking distance...If you are form the North East, you will definately laugh at our "bad" winters!
Fairmont State is a great school, I too am 34 years old and the thing I like the most is the diversity...there are just as many people our age or older as young people...they have a lot of great programs and it is in the "friendly" city! teacher/student ratio is great...campus parking, though getting much much better is one of the few downfalls... You have to check out Gabriel brothers for college budget shopping for quality name brands at close out prices...EVERYONE loves Gabes! Have fun! Good luck!