The National Weather Service states that Pittsburgh will experience varied weather conditions starting today. The forecast reveals a window of dry and sunny weather for the day, followed by a spike in wind activity and subsequent snow showers rolling in overnight and into Tuesday. Regions in the higher elevations of West Virginia and Pennsylvania are particularly bracing for increased winds, and advisories have already been issued.
The approaching cold front is expected to quickly escalate snow chances tonight, possibly affecting the Tuesday morning commute with snow showers heavily localized along the I-80 corridor. The National Weather Service adds, "It does look like the DGZ will lower Tuesday morning with the cold air advection so a quick burst of snow on a cold ground along the line is possible which could create hazardous travel conditions." This forecast comes with an impressive wind field, prompted by a 50+ knot low-level jet set to sweep the region tonight through Tuesday morning, raising concerns about possible wind damage and travel disruptions.
The short-term outlook through Wednesday is equally unsettled. The service anticipates another snow event with a strong likelihood of gusty winds. According to its prognostication, the region will briefly catch a break in precipitation mid-Tuesday before another wave of snow showers emerges accompanied by more noteworthy wind conditions.
Toward the end of the week, Thursday should offer a respite with drier conditions and milder winds. However, this break is forecasted to be brief as the advance of a new trough from the central United States could bring additional rain and snow on Friday and Saturday. According to local meteorologists, temperatures are expected to warm by late week into the weekend, with readings near or a few degrees above average. Aviation reports for the period echo these sentiments, predicting predominantly VFR conditions today but cautioning for possible MVFR to IFR circumstances due to snow showers and gusty winds associated with the frontal passage on Tuesday and Wednesday.
