The Pittsburgh area is gearing up for a weekend of snowfall, with a forecast that holds a brief respite on Sunday. According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the region will stay dry and cold for most of today, with snow beginning to spread across the area late tonight, connected to a storm system from the southeast, and continuing into Saturday. Residents should prepare for more lake-enhanced snow showers later on Saturday and into the night. However, Sunday is expected to bring a break from precipitation, albeit with persisting cold temperatures.
Ahead of this weather system, "most of the day will be snow free," and "clouds will increase from the west this afternoon," the National Weather Service stated. While there are some discrepancies in the timing of the snowfall onset, particularly over the western areas of the forecast, the consensus seems to suggest a slower advance due to the dry atmosphere initially present over the region. Officials advise that the anticipated snow will be of the dry, fluffy variety, given the frigid air in place.
The inbound trough is predicted to reach western Ohio late tonight, pushing across the Upper Ohio Valley on Saturday morning. As this is happening, another period begins; lake-enhanced snow showers are possible later Saturday downstream of Lake Erie, but they are expected to remain unorganized. Overall, snow totals from the entire event are forecasted to be in the "2\" to 4\" range," with potentially higher amounts in areas of orographic enhancement, prompting a winter weather advisory for the ridges. A ridge following the flurry of activity promises to keep Sunday "dry and cold," with the potential of decreasing cloud cover in the afternoon.
Looking ahead into next week, periodic snow chances with below-normal temperatures favored continue to be in the forecast, with a weak low-pressure system potentially bringing some snowfall on Monday. According to the National Weather Service, this outlook extends through the week, with zonal flow and persistent upper troughing indicative of a continued cold snap and the possibility of below-average temperatures. This pattern also raises concerns over increased ice cover on Lake Erie, possibly reducing lake-effect snow and enhancing the likelihood of river ice and potential ice jams.
For those with air travel plans, VFR conditions are expected to continue tonight at most ports, but snow arriving from the west by Friday evening could initially bring high-end MVFR to low-end VFR conditions. IFR occurrence later is anticipated to be high, indicating that significant flight disruptions could occur. Until this system passes, erratic winds are expected to give way to a south or southeast direction during the day on Friday.
Travelers and residents should pay attention to the latest updates. The Winter Weather Advisory is effective from 7 PM this evening until 1 AM EST Sunday across multiple counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
