Pittsburgh residents can look forward to a break from the recent snowy weather as a high-pressure system enters the region, promoting clear skies and gradually warming temperatures. According to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh, PA, the forecast for today until 6 PM will remain dry, with the sun expected to appear in the afternoon as clouds dissipate.
While the high pressure is slated to bring some much-needed sunshine, it will also usher in gusty winds throughout tonight and Sunday, particularly on the ridges. Weather reports indicate that wind gusts might reach speeds between 35 and 45 mph, a condition highlighted in the Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO). Forecasters have pinned these windy conditions with an 80% to 90% chance of 40 mph wind gusts for areas such as E. Tucker County and about 60% for the Laurel Summit area.
Looking ahead to Sunday night, it seems to be a transition period with the upper trough moving away and shortwave ridging taking place. This setup should keep the region dry, and temperatures are expected to warm up, with Pittsburgh seeing a 50-80% chance of hitting the mark above 45°F. However, residents should keep their rain gear handy, as precipitation will likely return in the rain come Sunday night, setting a wet start to the new week.
As we venture into the long-term aspect of our week, Monday through Friday's temperatures are projected to stay above average initially but will take a downward turn starting midweek. While confidence is high about rain occurring at the beginning of the week, there is little certainty regarding the exact timing. Rainfall totals through Monday night are predicted to fluctuate, ranging from as little as a quarter inch to as much as 1 inch. Transitioning from Tuesday onwards, chances for more rain and possibly snow follow suit, with forecast details still up in the air. However, drier and cooler conditions are expected to prevail by Thursday and Friday thanks to a new high-pressure system establishing itself over the area.
Aviation concerns are also on the radar, mainly Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions reported this morning. However, with warm advection, certain airports like DUJ and FKL might initially experience marginally lower cloud ceilings. Southwest winds around 20 knots are likely by mid-morning, introducing potential low-level wind shear as a 40-50kt jet sets up across the region, which should cease by Sunday morning as the jet wanes. VFR under a high-pressure ridge will continue until a warm front on Monday brings about restrictions and renewed rain chances, followed by a cold front expected to bring mixed rain and snow by Wednesday.
