Pittsburgh residents are in for a mix of rain and snow as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, according to the latest forecast. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh reports "seasonable temperatures and dry through the afternoon, followed by rain and snow returning tonight," with precipitation expected to start post 7 PM. While a clear sky may last through much of today, weather conditions are anticipated to deteriorate overnight, with "rain and snow spreading west to east across the area."
According to the National Weather Service, travelers and commuters should brace for what may come, with wet-bulb thermal profiles cooling temperatures into the 30s and low 40s. The forecast also indicates some uncertainty that will contribute to precipitation-type uncertainty on the north side of the low. Snow is more likely north of Pittsburgh, especially north of I-80, although accumulation should be light, most likely a quick coating on grassy and elevated surfaces.
Thanksgiving day may start wet, but lingering showers over the higher elevations and north of I-80 should clear by the afternoon, ending the widespread precipitation from the previous night. These lingering showers, however initial as rain/snow mix, could bring additional light accumulation up to an inch in certain areas of Mercer, Venango, and Forest counties as temperatures drop below freezing.
Looking ahead, colder temperatures will take hold starting Friday. A pattern change ushers in much cooler temperatures beginning Friday, with occasional snow shower chances through the weekend. With frigid air settling over the region, daytime highs are expected to remain below freezing from Saturday to at least the following Tuesday, with a 70% chance of below-freezing daytime highs. The first notable shortwave rotation could influence snow showers on Friday, with potential impacts on the lake-effect regions and northern counties.
Aviation forecasts indicate that VFR conditions through most daytime hours will shift as the weather system arrives, gradually worsening to IFR conditions overnight. Precipitation is expected to begin impacting local airports around 03z for ZZV, 04z for PIT, and 06z for LBE, with a period of wet-bulbing that may cause visibility issues, especially at FKL and DUJ, where snow is more likely initially. Travelers should anticipate persistent rain and snow showers affecting flights into the weekend, with a mention of possible snow bands on Friday that might disrupt services further.
