Residents in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas are bracing for inclement weather today, as the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a series of warnings and advisories that are in effect through this evening. According to the National Weather Service, those south of Pittsburgh could see snowfall totals of 6 to 12 inches as part of the winter system persisting over the region.
For travelers, the snowfall, accompanied by visibility reductions down to a mere 0.25 to 0.50 miles in some areas, is expected to pose traffic disruptions and travel delays. A Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory are in effect through 7 PM EST today, with the most intense snowfall projected between the early hours of 4 AM and 8 AM, with rates of up to 0.5 inches per hour. Forecasters also signaled a transition from drier snow to potentially sleet or freezing rain later in the day as temperatures hover marginally above freezing, potentially leading to ice accumulations instead of rain.
Moving into Tuesday, the forecast suggests a continued chilly trend with more snow anticipated, especially in higher terrains such as the West Virginia ridges and Laurel Highlands. An additional 1-2 inches of snow could accumulate due to upsloping, with the Winter Storm Warning extending here through 12Z Tuesday. Furthermore, lake effect snow showers are expected to persist through Tuesday night as below-average temperatures hold their grip on the region.
Although travel impacts are forecasted to remain low, confidence is high that lake-enhanced snow showers will resume on Wednesday. By Friday, conditions are projected to clear under a building ridge, with the caveat being potentially freezing morning temperatures across a broad swath of the area. Saturday's weather patterns are yet to be fully determined. Still, with current cold temperatures, new low-pressure systems could signal a return of winter weather impacts for the weekend.
Aviation interests have not been spared, with the NWS advising of IFR conditions due to ongoing snow as a low-pressure system sweeps across the Ohio Valley. Some relief may come by evening with improvements to MVFR as the snow tapers off after the passage of an upper trough. For most of the week, scattered snow showers and periodic restrictions are expected, with better weather finally anticipated on Friday as high pressure takes charge.
