Pittsburgh is hunkered down as freezing and unsettled weather grips the city. Snow is expected to favor areas along the Interstate 80 corridor and the higher elevations southeast of the city. According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, PA, a Cold Weather Advisory is effective through Wednesday for specific elevated terrain in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
In a statement by the National Weather Service, locals were given a rundown on what to anticipate: "Very cold conditions expected this morning and tonight." For those on the ridges of PA/WV, where the cold bites a little harsher, wind chill values could hit -10 to -20F. Worryingly clear skies and strong cold air advection have already sent temperatures tumbling into the single digits, stressing out residents braving the morning's freezing breath.
Commuters should brace for disruptions as the snow shower potential increases on Tuesday afternoon with a passing shortwave. These snow showers could pose a challenge for the evening drive, with possible isolated snow bands swiftly laying down slick new coats on the roads. The evening forecast anticipates slowing the widespread snowfall after the shortwave drifts eastward. However, lake-enhanced snow showers may persist north of Pittsburgh and across the ridges due to upsloping winds.
Looking ahead to midweek, the rough chill persists, with Wednesday's highs clawing at the upper teens to low 20s. As the snow showers continue courtesy of the lake effect north of Pittsburgh, the region glances at another approaching shortwave set to boost snow showers again on Thursday. But, jutting into this cold narrative is a ridge of high pressure, which promises an end to snowfall carrying us into the early hours of Friday. Temperatures remain cold through the period, with a gradual warming trend beginning on Thursday, forecasters note, hinting at a break in the icy grip with temperatures lifting into the mid-20s to near 30F.
Casting a glance into the weekend bounty, a large-scale system might toss a mix of rain and snow into the equation. It temps with a warming trend on Saturday, with rain becoming a more likely during daylight hours for much of the region before converting to snow as night blankets the city. However, the details of this potential deluge remain elusive, with different outcomes—from wintry mix to wet snow—still on the meteorological table. Inhabitants are warned of another cold spell early next week, a staunch reminder of winter's perseverance in the Keystone State.
