Pittsburgh residents, grab your umbrellas and dust off those winter boots. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a weather forecast that suggests an active day ahead. Morning rain is expected to give way as a cold front advances, with more rainfall anticipated in the evening due to an upper-level wave. By late tonight, prepare to switch to snow shovels as the rain transitions to snow, all thanks to colder air swooping over the region.
According to the National Weather Service, "An impressive shortwave trough will push a cold front through the region this morning," with rainfall expected ahead of the front, particularly intense north of Pittsburgh. The rolling storm system is expected to "quickly" barrel through, allowing rain to move rapidly northeastward in the morning. For those venturing out, temperatures are set to peak in the morning before they begin to drop throughout the afternoon.
As we roll into the evening, the weather promises to keep us on our toes. The shortwave trough will stir up more shower risks, which could turn into scattered snow showers as the night advances. Forecast soundings are showing inversions rapidly lowering tonight, the NWS Pittsburgh explains, hinting that efficient snowflake creation might be hampered, except over higher elevations. In those areas, snowfall could accumulate, particularly in eastern Tucker County, where the chance for more than 3 inches of snow lies at 40%.
The cold isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Friday through Saturday, another shortwave trough will keep rain and snow shower risks alive. Friday night might bring rain that will gradually change to snow later as cold air floods the region. Come Saturday, expect the snow showers to dissolve eventually, but not without leaving behind much colder conditions and some travel considerations for the weekend.
Looking at the long-term temperature trajectory, Saturday night overnight lows are forecasted to dip into the teens. The cold snap persists through Sunday, with temperatures clawing to above freezing. But by Tuesday, we can anticipate a shift. The NWS Pittsburgh reports that confidence remains high that warmer conditions will return Monday into Wednesday as the numerous long-range models depict building high pressure over the Ohio River Valley. Better weather appears on the horizon, with VFR (visual flight rules) conditions taking the stage Sunday and Monday under high pressure, allowing for a clearer sky and potentially easier commutes.
