Pittsburgh residents can look forward to a crisp, cool weekend ahead as high pressure settles in, bringing dry conditions lasting into mid-week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Today will see stratocumulus clouds in the wake of a cold front that has moved on, but by afternoon, the city should glimpse more sunlight as these clouds dissipate.
The NWS has reported that a pressure gradient will stir up northwest winds ranging from 5 to 15 mph, gusting 15 to 25 mph, especially across western PA with the NWS warning of the potential for heightened fire risk although no official advisement was issued, "Will highlight this in the Fire Weather Forecast, through opted for no Special Weather Statement for fire conditions due to the marginal
conditions," as noted by the National Weather Service.
As for the nights leading into Monday, clear skies coupled with low dew points will contribute to a cooler atmosphere, with the mercury possibly dipping as low as the mid-20s in certain locations. Sunday's forecast suggests even chillier weather, nudging just a few degrees under average for the time of year, yet dry skies continue their reign under the vigilant high pressure.
Looking ahead, Pittsburgh can expect a gradual warm-up through Wednesday. Those 500mb heights are set to climax at around 588dm mid-week, indicating a potential temperature rise, "High temperatures should be around 5 degrees above average by Monday," the National Weather Service advises. However, this warmer spell is tailed by a cold front and rain probabilities on Thursday, brewing a return to earth from our high-altitude balmy daydreams by the end week.
In terms of aviation, the NWS indicates that VFR conditions are expected to persist through Tuesday, with the only concern being potential river valley fog due to overnight cold and warmth disparity along the valley's water surface.
