As Pittsburgh welcomes the second week of September, residents can expect a streak of dry weather complemented by a gradual rise in temperature. According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, this period of warmth is set to continue through the upcoming weekend. For those looking to enjoy outdoor activities, the conditions could not be more favorable with "dry, plenty of sunshine and warming temperatures," the service reported.
Today's forecast is primarily defined by surface high pressure and warm advection, which are expected to offer a comfortable day filled with abundant sun and rising temperatures. The short-term outlook through Wednesday indicates that Pittsburgh is set to experience a further increase in temperatures. Most notably, a plume of lofted western wildfire smoke may lead to hazier skies midweek, although the probability of this smoke reaching the surface remains low.
The extended forecast through the weekend remains staunchly optimistic for those partial to sunnier skies. The National Weather Service's models suggest that a ridge will hold steady over much of the eastern United States, paving the way for mainly dry weather and above-average temperatures through next weekend. Attention has been drawn to a low-pressure system moving north from the Gulf of Mexico, which could introduce some variability to this forecast later this weekend. However, the consensus points to minimal disruption to the forecasted dry spell.
VFR conditions are expected to hold for aviation interests under high pressure throughout the following week. While river valley fog may pose slight threats to visibility in the early hours between 09Z to 12Z near FKL, this concern is not significant enough to be reflected in Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts. Winds are predicted to pick up with probabilities of gusts between 15 to 20kts in the afternoon, once again high (>70%) at FKL/DUJ, where the local pressure gradient is most substantial. As night falls, winds are forecasted to die down again.
Lastly, while no advisories stand for Pennsylvania and Ohio, a Frost Advisory was in effect until 8 AM EDT this morning for part of West Virginia, according to the National Weather Service's latest update. For those out early in these regions, the advisory was a reminder that even as we transition into a warmer season, the grasp of the cold does not let go without a final beckon.
