Pittsburgh is bracing for what could be a near-record Election Day, with temperatures escalating to heights not seen since rooftops were last barbecue-ready. According to the National Weather Service's area forecast, high pressure favors the region, keeping skies clear and the air dry leading to Wednesday.
Today's chill won't outstay its welcome, as the mercury is expected to climb significantly due to warm advection. For those stepping outside, "Daytime minimum relative humidities may drop to the upper 20s and lower 30s for most,” says the National Weather Service. With the gusts predicted to blow between 15 and 20 mph and considering recent fires, vigilance is the word of the day. Tonight won't be much of a cooldown – increasing clouds and some light winds will keep things tepid enough to hinder a full humidity recovery.
Looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday, don't expect any relief from the heat. Pittsburgh is in for dry with steady warming and near-record high temperatures on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service's forecast discussion. Monday's temps are likely to hover around 15 degrees above the norm, and by Tuesday, numbers could reach 20 to 25 degrees higher than usual. Records set in bygone eras, including a Zanesville high of 79°F from 2022, are poised to fall. It's not all good news, though; with relative humidity set to increase and winds cranking up as high as 35mph on Tuesday, fire spread concerns will replace ignition worries.
Aviation-wise, thanks to high pressure meandering toward New England, we’re looking at VFR conditions in the foreseeable future sans some pesky valley fog. Ridging aloft will provide mostly VFR conditions through Tuesday, leading the prediction pack, with only a weak cold front on Wednesday to potentially muddy the skies.
