As residents in the Pittsburgh region wake up to snowy sidewalks and icy roads, the National Weather Service has provided a clear outlook for the area's upcoming weather patterns. With a mix of rain and snow having already started overnight, the forecast indicates that we should expect impactful snow for West Virginia's higher terrain starting this Sunday and continuing into Sunday night.
An extreme cold outbreak is predicted to follow from next Monday through Wednesday, leading the National Weather Service to issue an Extreme Cold Watch for various counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The Area Forecast Discussion warns of "dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills," emphasizing the potential health risks of such frigid conditions. As temperatures are expected to fall to as much as 35 degrees below normal, residents are advised to prepare now for the severe cold.
In the more immediate term, today, we will see continued precipitation, with snow accumulations of less than an inch in northern areas. Significant snow buildup is anticipated on the ridges throughout the afternoon. The Winter Storm Watch has been upgraded to a warning in the West Virginia ridges. Due to the colder air and increasing snow ratios, snow showers are expected to linger through Sunday night.
Following Sunday's snowfall, the next focus shifts to the inbound arctic air, which will usher in the brutal cold snap. The National Weather Service forecasts "extremely low temperatures and wind chill temperatures," which could substantially impact infrastructure and health. Widespread preparation activities are recommended, including the protection of pets and plumbing. Frostbite and hypothermia are serious concerns, especially for exposed skin,, which "can occur in as little as 30 minutes."
Looking towards the end of next week, the region can finally anticipate a warming trend by at least Thursday, with temperatures expected to rise into the low 30s and upper 20s. However, the relief is relative, with those temperatures still tracking slightly below the seasonal average. Pittsburgh's residents are reminded to remain vigilant and prepared for rapid changes as the city navigates the fluctuating winter weather.
