
As Pittsburgh residents hunker down, forecasts predict a potent dose of winter. Snowfall will start early Thursday, and severe arctic cold is anticipated next week. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, PA, indicates that areas in the Allegheny Mountains may see heavy snow, while lowland areas should expect 1 to 3 inches. Hazardous travel conditions could develop.
Thursday morning, commuters could face challenges, as snowfall is expected to ramp up between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., potentially impacting road conditions. As snow begins to blanket the region, the National Weather Service report states that initial snowfall must overcome dry low-level air. The snow above aggregates as it descends at a potential rate of 0.25 inches per hour, creating additional travel impediments throughout the workday. The advisory continues through early Friday morning, considering the lingering cold from previous snowfalls and the probability of locally heavier totals.
In the higher elevations, the snow show intensifies as westward winds enhance orographic lift. Snowfall is anticipated to accumulate significantly, ranging between 4 and 10 inches. Moderate to heavy snowfall will ramp up in the higher terrain this afternoon, with confidence in warning criteria being high (>90%), states the service. Consequently, a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for these areas, lasting through tonight.
As the week rolls into the weekend, temperatures will gradually warm. The forecast for Friday into Saturday includes snow, rain, and possible mixed precipitation. However, any instances of freezing rain may pose notable concerns, considering the ground's cold embrace. Saturday's temperatures should hover near 40F across most of the region, decreasing to the teens or lower 20s by night, which could result in icy conditions wherever daytime rain has pooled.
Looking ahead to next week, an Arctic outbreak with dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills is looming, strongly indicating extreme cold from Monday through Wednesday. The National Weather Service Pittsburgh urges preparation, emphasizing risks including frozen pipes and potential hypothermia or frostbite under prolonged exposure. The frigid air traced back to the North Pole will drag the mercury down, possibly to single digits or lower for daytime highs and to around or below -10F during the nights.
Lasting snow showers might continue Sunday and Monday in the northwest flow, but Lake Erie's expected full ice coverage could limit precipitation. Navigators of the skies should also be advised, as aviation forecasts predict snow this morning will bring reduced ceiling and visibility, with conditions improving by Friday, only for another round of possible disruptions to follow on Saturday.