Pittsburgh and its surrounding ridges are preparing for a significant shift in weather today. Rain will transform into snow as a potent surface low ushers in a cold front across the area. According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, residents should expect the transition from rain to snow to advance from West to East, accompanied by gusty winds, particularly in the Pennsylvania ridges, where a Wind Advisory is in effect.
Snow accumulation is anticipated mainly over the higher elevations, with probabilities for accumulations greater than three inches ranging between 40% and 70%. Meanwhile, areas outside the ridges will likely see less than an inch of accumulation this afternoon. Adding to the meteorological mix, wind gusts could reach over 40 mph, with eastern Tucker County in West Virginia bracing for gusts up to 50 mph or higher.
Looking beyond today's forecast, the weather is set to remain unsettled into Monday. "Snow is expected to continue as the shortwave trough axis tracks across the region tonight into Monday," the National Weather Service stated. The advisories extend to the Laurel Highlands and certain West Virginia ridges, where snowfall could total between 4 and 9 inches.
As the week progresses, colder temperatures will sweep Pittsburgh and its environs. The Weather Service projects 850 mb temperatures plunging to a range of -17 to -21 degrees Celsius, translating to bone-chilling overnight lows in the single digits to teens on Monday night and daytime highs merely clawing their way into the upper teens to mid-20s. These conditions look to persist into Tuesday before a possibility of new snowstorms arises midweek with the approach of an upper low from the northern Plains.
The aviation sector will also feel the sting of this weather transition, as IFR conditions and lower visibility will likely impact flights across the region. Saturated low-level moisture will maintain IFR and below conditions through the coming day, the National Weather Service Pittsburgh advisory warns, indicating that travel disruptions are a distinct possibility in the days ahead. Airports will be alert for potential delays, with the snow expected to linger through the remainder of the 24-hour TAF period. Nevertheless, some improvement in flight conditions is anticipated by Monday afternoon as dry air begins to seep in, gradually tapering off the snow and scattering the clouds.
