The National Weather Service of Pittsburgh has forecast a diverse range of winter weather for Pittsburgh and parts of West Virginia today. According to their Area Forecast Discussion, a wintry mix is expected to hit the region, potentially complicating travel plans and leading to hazardous conditions, particularly north of Pittsburgh and in the ridges, where an extended period of freezing rain could occur.
The weather scenario is set to unfold as a developing low-pressure system moves in, pushing up temperatures behind a warm front leading to rain spreading across the area later today, meanwhile, some areas north of the city and along the I-80 corridor may experience freezing rain due to colder surface air lingering longer. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective from 1 PM today to 4 AM EST Thursday for parts of Pennsylvania and a Winter Weather Advisory for West Virginia starting from 11 AM today with an Ice Storm Warning in effect for part of the state until 4 AM EST Thursday, indicating the seriousness of the oncoming icy conditions.
As we head into tonight and Thursday, anticipate rain transitioning to snow due to colder air pulled across the region by a moving cold front; however, the upcoming dry spell on Friday might offer some respite from the inclement weather. The long-term forecast doesn't look too comforting, with predictions of stronger systems bringing significant weather upheavals, as a trough across the central CONUS is expected to lead to snow changing to rain by Saturday, followed by potential heavy rain and then a swap back to snow as temperatures plunge 10 to 20 degrees below average early next week.
For aviation interests, varied implications, such as ongoing snow showers may transition to freezing rain before moving eastwards, and a low-level jet expected tonight could cause wind shear conditions to rise after 02Z for most terminals. A brief condition improvement is forecasted for Friday afternoon before another low-pressure system enacts a sequel of wintry mix events and associated restrictions on Saturday, extending to early next week, according to the National Weather Service's aviation outlook.
