Pittsburgh residents, brace yourselves for a chilly week ahead as the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh forecasts consistent cold conditions and periodic chances for snow well into next weekend. According to their latest NWS Area Forecast Discussion, beyond the piercing cold that's made itself comfortable, the most significant snowfall is pegged to arrive around midweek, so it's time to keep those shovels handy and winter coats tightened up.
The near-term forecast doesn't bring much reprieve; outdoor enthusiasts expecting to enjoy a mild Sunday will be met with wind chills in the teens and the potential for light snow, especially if you're venturing out toward the West Virginia ridges. Bundle up accordingly because the shortwave trough crossing the region today reinforces the unforgiving chill air over the area, and those expecting clearer skies might be disappointed as updated predictions increase cloud cover through the afternoon.
As we roll into the evening and throughout Tuesday, the National Weather Service advises that the well below-normal temperatures will persist, with daily chances for snow showers, mostly concentrated north and east of Pittsburgh. These conditions are perfect for those who relish the serenity of a fresh snowfall but a challenge for commuters who face the uncertainty of lake-enhanced flakes that threaten to freckle the landscape.
Looking longer term, a new disturbance is forecast to sweep in mid-week, potentially enhancing snow chances despite lingering uncertainties around some of the details; what's clear is late this week could see a reinforced cold shot with a surface low that's having meteorologists watch the sky with a cautious anticipation as ensemble models debate between late week ridging and continued eastern troughing, the difference could mean more snow squalls or possibly clearer skies and less precipitation risk, as noted in the Aviation section, travelers should anticipate VFR conditions punctuated by possible restrictions, especially at KFKL and KDUJ due to lake effect snow showers.
With no current advisories in place, it's business as usual in the Pittsburgh area – but certainly not weather as usual. Keep your weather apps handy, and for those in the potentially snowy I-80 corridor, consider this your heads-up for the potential of a mid-week winter wallop. Stay warm, Pittsburgh.
