Pittsburgh's weather outlook for the weekend contrasts a dry and warm Saturday followed by a dicey Sunday as chances of snow and ice creep in. The National Weather Service Pittsburgh, PA, released an area forecast discussion early this morning outlining what to expect. Saturday's temperatures are set to experience a slight increase, promising at least a reprieve from the overnight chill that previously sunk into the teens and low 20s.
However, as Sunday dawns, the forecast turns more somber. A weak wave is expected to quickly traverse the central US tonight, setting the stage for surface cyclogenesis and light snowfall by morning, potentially escalating to ice, especially along higher terrains and the I-80 corridor. As warm mid-level advection clashes with the stubborn cold air near the surface, the precipitation may initially fall as freezing rain before transitioning to all rain later in the day.
The National Weather Service has already placed certain areas under advisories in response to this mixed bag of precipitation. They state that areas of medium to high confidence in ice include the I-80 corridor through multiple counties, where a transition from rain to a glaze of ice on roads and sidewalks could pose a risk for travelers. Pittsburgh and lowlands between interstates I-70 and I-80 are caught in a forecast bubble of uncertainty, where even a one-degree fluctuation in temperature could spell the difference between a rain event and a glacial glaze.
Looking further ahead, the long-term forecast through Friday indicates a pattern of uncertainty but fairly consistent rainfall. While Monday starts with lower rain probabilities, another trough from the central US could trigger more widespread showers late Monday into Tuesday. Though this system's precise timing and depth remain up in the air, it is part of an unsettled weather pattern that appears to settle in for the week.
For aviators, the immediate outlook is a bit brighter, with VFR conditions anticipated to hold through Saturday. However, aviators should prepare for potential restrictions starting Sunday morning with the incoming disturbance, as mentioned by the National Weather Service, which predicts a chance for freezing rain Sunday morning with only a glaze or a couple hundredths of an inch accumulation expected.
Regarding preparedness, the NWS advisories are actively in place to identify regions with more than 80% confidence of at least a glaze of ice resulting from Sunday's systems. These notices serve to encourage awareness and caution in the impacted areas. You can visit the National Weather Service's official website for the most up-to-date weather advisories and warnings.
