Pittsburgh is braced for a significant snowfall, with residents facing widespread snow this morning, following up with snow showers and possible squalls in the afternoon. The National Weather Service Pittsburgh, PA, has highlighted the impact on morning commutes, advising caution due to the expected conditions. According to their Area Forecast Discussion, "widespread snow this morning" will transition "to snow showers and possible squalls this afternoon.
The forecast indicates that the snow showers should begin to taper off on Saturday morning as high pressure starts to build in temporarily. However, the weather service warns that another system poised to arrive late Sunday quickly and Monday has the potential to bring swiftly significant snowfall, possibly mixed with wintry precipitation south of Pittsburgh. "After coordination with surrounding offices and the Weather Prediction Center, we will hold off on issuance at this time and analyze further model guidance over the next day," states the National Weather Service forecast discussion. This suggests the possibility of yet more winter storm watches needing to be released imminently.
Long-term expectations up until Thursday keep Pittsburgh in the grip of winter's chill, with the city forecasted to see an end to the widespread snow on Monday night, followed by cold northwest flow and periodic snow showers for the remainder of the week. Local travelers and commuters need to stay informed as these conditions persist. The National Weather Service predicts that 850 MB temperatures will drop to -15 to -17 degrees C by Wednesday and Thursday, with highs only near 20 (teens in the higher terrain) and lows in the single digits to teens.
The ongoing weather pattern spells more trouble for aviation, with MVFR (Marginal Visual Flight Rules) conditions likely to dominate and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) visibility in heavy snow showers. The specific impact of localized bands of lake-enhanced snow showers can be difficult to forecast, but they are expected to affect air travel through northwest Pennsylvania. The aviation outlook indicates that the intensity and coverage of snow showers might lessen by Saturday, but another system arriving Sunday could disrupt the brief respite that had been suggested.
