According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, PA, snow and rain are in the cards for Pittsburgh today, with significant snowfall expected in the higher terrain areas. The low-pressure system just east of the region is the culprit behind the wintry mix, forecasted to linger into Saturday before a patch of dry weather appears on Sunday.
The latest weather update advises that snow, already spreading across the region this morning, will turn to rain in most places, but not so for the higher terrain. "A quick accumulation of snow is expected this morning as the initial area of precip moves across the region," the National Weather Service noted. However, diminishing temperatures will soon turn this snowfall into rain. In the Laurel Highlands and areas of higher elevation in West Virginia, snow could pile up aggressively, with snowfall rates reaching up to 1 inch per hour.
Those living in the warned areas are advised to brace for harsh winter conditions. The Winter Storm Warning remains in place through tonight/Saturday for some, while Winter Weather Advisories wrap up early this afternoon elsewhere. Wind gusts are expected to be another factor, potentially reaching between 40 and 50 mph.
Looking towards the weekend, the situation begins to improve. The forecast reads that rain and snow should gradually end Saturday as the low exits off the East Coast, with winds also anticipated to diminish. Come Sunday, Pittsburgh can expect a respite from the precipitation and enjoy some seasonably average temperatures under a ridge of high pressure. Yet, this pause is expected to be brief, with a cold front set to return by Monday, ushering another round of unsettled weather and making raincoats and umbrellas likely again be requisite accessories by Thanksgiving.
The aviation outlook isn't exactly clear, either. IFR conditions and gusty winds are on tap for area airports, which could disrupt travel plans and might be something to consider before heading out. For those looking for more detailed aviation-related forecasts, the National Weather Service has them covered on its website.
