Residents of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas should brace themselves for a significant shift in weather conditions as a strong cold front approaches today. This front will bring the risk of showers and gusty winds across the region. According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, PA, there's a potential for thunder as this system moves in during the afternoon and evening.
The service reported that the latest CAM models show a thin convection line developing right ahead of the front. With strong winds aloft expected to reach the surface, the forecast indicates a 40 to 50 percent likelihood of gusts over 40 mph and a 10 to 20 percent chance that these could exceed 45 mph. Ahead of an approaching cold front, temperatures today are predicted to be well above normal before a sharp drop tonight to lows in the 30s and upper 20s.
As we progress into Thursday and Friday, the weather outlook remains grim, particularly for the higher terrain, with impactful snow accumulations likely. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch starting Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening for areas including West Virginia's ridges and parts of Pennsylvania. The combination of rain and snow on Thursday, followed by more likely snowfall as temperatures continue to fall, could make for some precarious travel conditions and suggests residents should prepare for winter storm conditions.
Carrying on through the weekend, the higher elevations are expected to see a continuation of winter storm conditions and gusty winds into Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, relief looks to be in sight by Sunday, with a forecast for dry conditions. However, the beginnings of next week could herald a return to unsettled weather, although temperatures are expected to be milder.
For air travel, disruptions are to be expected with various IFR/LIFR conditions due to stratus and fog through early morning, followed by mixed conditions and showers associated with the front later in the day. The Weather Service suggests that "a gradual improvement to MVFR is expected by mid to late morning," with gusty winds potentially causing additional challenges during afternoon flights. VFR conditions are anticipated to return on Sunday as things clear up with high pressure moving into the area.
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