Pittsburgh residents can expect a brief respite from winter’s chill today as warmer temperatures are forecasted. However, this will be short-lived as rain and colder weather are near the horizon, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, PA. While Eastern Tucker County in West Virginia should brace for wind gusts hitting up to 55 mph, necessitating a wind advisory, other areas are also gearing up for gusts ranging between 25 and 35 mph. However, these should gradually wind down as the day progresses.
The temperature improvement today, reportedly about 5 degrees above average, might feel like a brief invitation to shed one’s heavier layers. Still, residents are advised to enjoy it. At the same time, it lasts, as a shift is coming, “Dry and warmer weather is expected today,” but “Rain returns late tonight and Monday with a warm front,” per the National Weather Service’s latest forecast discussion. A southern stream shortwave, moving out of the southern Plains, will reach the Upper Ohio Valley region by Monday, ultimately bringing approximately half an inch of rain and potentially more during the late morning to afternoon as a low-level jet crosses the area.
Following the initial bout of rainfall, the steady rain should taper off from W-E late Monday and Monday night. However, patchy light rain or drizzle might linger due to residual low-level moisture. Long-term perspectives suggest bracing for snow mid-week, with a 50 percent probability of accumulation in certain high—terrain areas but little to minimal chances elsewhere, setting the scene for a typical winter week in Pittsburgh.
For the latter part of the week, temperatures are expected to stabilize into what might be deemed seasonal norms. This temporary equilibrium might be interrupted come Saturday when rain chances return, a pattern aligning with the ebb and flow of a Pittsburgh winter of fluctuations and the fickle whims of regional weather systems.
Aviation-wise, the weather forecast presents itself as a tale of two skies: VFR conditions and high clouds dominating today, with LLWS concerns surfacing mainly between 06-14z due to a strong nocturnal low-level jet, potentially causing wind speeds at 2kft to reach between 40-50kts. Anticipated MVFR decks will pose a greater challenge come noon tomorrow for specific areas due to lake moisture drawn in by northwest flow. Come Monday, more widespread flight restrictions are anticipated with the arrival of the warm front and subsequent rain, continuing through Tuesday and further complicated by rain/snow mixtures on Wednesday.
PITTSBURGH —
Things are looking up this weekend! For starters the bitterly cold feeling will ease. Still chilly and a tad breezy today with highs in the mid 30s and gusts of 30 mph, stronger for the ridges. Temperatures will tick into the mid to upper 40s Sunday. And the warm up isn’t done yet; highs in the 50s are coming to kick off next week.
Some will see sunshine today, mainly south of the city. Clouds will hang tough to the north. Skies brighten a little more for everyone tomorrow. While this weekend stays dry, the start of the work week will bring rain chances. Monday is an Impact Day for rain that will arrive ahead of the morning commute. The rain will continue throughout the day with lingering showers Tuesday.
Wednesday is a day worth watching. Temperatures will tumble. The question is will there be any moisture to work with? Including the potential for rain and snow showers at this point.
TODAY: Clouds north, some sun south. Still chilly and breezy. High: 36°.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy with steady temperatures. Low: 33°.
TOMORROW: Milder with increasing clouds late. High: 47°, low: 36°.
