Pittsburgh residents should be ready for a shift in weather as a warm front brings showers today, with a low-pressure system following closely behind. According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the incoming warm front will raise temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above the norm. Along with the temperature change, "the risk for showers returns," though the rainfall intensity is expected to wane throughout the day.
Wednesday will continue to see rain chances, and a significant temperature drop on Thursday is anticipated when a strong cold front pushes its way through the region. The National Weather Service warns of much colder air and the potential for snow or rain/snow mix, particularly for the high terrain areas. While the snowfall predictions remain unclear for the lower elevations, a 60% chance of snow exceeding an inch by Thursday evening has been cited for the ridge tops. A Winter Storm Watch has been declared for parts of Northern West Virginia from Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening.
In addition to precipitation, residents should brace for strong wind gusts that are expected to accompany the front. Wednesday night could see wind gust probabilities ranging from 40 to 70 percent, affecting various parts of the region, including ridge tops in Northern West Virginia, where the probability climbs to nearly 70 percent.
As the week progresses, the likelihood of an impactful winter storm for the higher terrain increases for Friday and Saturday, complete with gusty winds. According to the weather service, a notable winter storm with an 80% to 90% chance of exceeding six is likely for the high terrain of Preston County and Tucker County between Thursday and Saturday. Forecasts suggest a temporary moderation in extreme conditions by Sunday and Monday as an upper ridge over the Ohio Valley offers some respite from the cold and windy weather.
For aviation, the approaching front means a return to MVFR conditions and possible IFR, with light rain expected to overspread the region by this afternoon and evening. The weather service advises that the effects of the low-pressure systems could result in continued restrictions, gusty wind, and rain/snow showers for the region through Saturday.
