After a bout of hot and sticky weather, Pittsburgh is swanning into September with a forecast that promises cooler and drier days ahead. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh reports that starting later today, the city will experience a comfortable stretch of weather, making it an ideal time for residents to enjoy the gradual transition into fall. According to a forecast discussion obtained from the National Weather Service, "Cooler and drier air will overspread the region later today."
For early risers, some scattered to isolated activity might dampen the mood this morning over the ridges, as remnants of a cold front bid adieu. However, as the front takes its leave late in the morning, Pittsburgh should see a period of sunny skies by the afternoon. Descending from Lake Erie, a stratocumulus deck will move in behind a second cold front, bringing lower temperatures closer to seasonal averages.
Moving into the short term, the forecast anticipates noticeably cooler and drier Monday and Tuesday, with a cool northwest flow leading to an environment that veers away from the sweltering dog days. There could be a development of cumulus clouds on Monday due to the colder air aloft, but the good news lies in the highs, which will remain below seasonal averages for a more comfortable start to the week.
The long-term outlook also has good tidings for those weary of erratic weather patterns. The National Weather Service's ensemble analysis is tilting towards an extended period of dry and seasonable conditions, as Northeastern cities like Pittsburgh are expected to bask under the influence of persistent ridging over the Rockies. They caution that variations may come towards the week's end, dependent on the whims of a shortwave trough moving east.
Aviation interests can breathe easy too – VFR conditions are projected to prevail throughout the week, with the only minor disturbance being potential late-night and early-morning river valley steam fog. Light southwest winds shifting to the west-northwest in the morning, then to the north-northwest by evening, should paint skies with broad, clear strokes. High pressure is expected to continue this pattern of desirable flying conditions, rendering travel logistics unaffected by weather constraints for the most part.
