
The chill of winter is upon Pittsburgh, with a cold front bringing scattered snow showers today, as the National Weather Service reported. Those wondering about today's weather can anticipate a low risk of precipitation but should prepare for a cold snap dragging icy air across the region and setting the stage for a week of freezing temperatures and intermittent snow.
According to the National Weather Service, "Temperatures will change very little for much of the day," leaving residents to navigate a day with scant temperature fluctuation. A shortwave trough that swept through this morning pulled the cold front eastward, setting potentials for flurries, yet the lack of deep moisture reduces their likelihood.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, Pittsburgh can expect even colder conditions with high temperatures in the teens, "A few locations could see record cold maximum temps, as 850 mb temperatures drop to close to -18 deg C," the National Weather Service cautions. The frigid air mass is fated to persist through Wednesday, with snow showers favored mainly north of Pittsburgh, while record-breaking cold might humble the steel city with single-digit low temperatures looming.
The National Weather Service's forecast projects periodic snow showers continuing into Friday, yet the long-term outlook is uncertain, with conflicting models painting different atmospheric tales. While some models hint at continued cold due to ridging over the West Coast, others propose a trough possibly drifting over Southern California, which might coax warmer weather back toward the East Coast. Despite the weekend's uncertain weather dance, flyers can expect gusty conditions through tomorrow night with the possibility for restrictions and scattered snow showers, according to the aviation outlook.
No advisories are currently in place for PA, OH, or WV, per the latest updates from the National Weather Service. Residents and visitors to the Pittsburgh area should stay tuned as this cold snap unfolds possibly extending its icy grip well into the weekend, as indicated by the shifting forecasts and models.