The skies over Pittsburgh have been offering a mix of precipitation and gusty winds, but a dry end to the workweek is expected before another weather system rolls in. Saturday afternoon is forecast to bring freezing rain and snow impacts to the region. At the same time, the next week appears to remain unsettled, with yet another winter system on the horizon for Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh.
For today, patchy snow showers were added to the forecast north of Pittsburgh, with a few flurries possible south, as a weak shortwave trough moves across the area, "Little if any accumulation is expected," the National Weather Service clarified. The rest of Friday is slated to remain dry, though gusty winds will prevail in the ridges with a Wind Advisory in effect through 3 PM for Eastern Tucker County, where gusts could surpass 46 mph. The surrounding areas shouldn't feel left out, and gusts are also anticipated to reach 35-40 mph, but primarily on the east side of the elevation.
As Saturday inches closer, the next system approaches, with low pressure trekking up the Ohio Valley and a warm front introducing warmer air aloft. Despite warmth above, surface temperatures are predicted to cling to their frigid grip, especially east-southeast of the city. This sets the stage for a complex precipitation event featuring freezing rain, snow, and trifecta. While Pittsburgh and southern areas are more likely to see rain, the ridges and areas north are bracing for ice with a 40 to 90% chance of at least a glaze forming, the National Weather Service warned.
Wintry conditions are expected to persist into Sunday, with lingering snow showers anticipated in the northern regions and the ridges. Accumulation, if any, appears to be minimal. Moving into next week, Monday offers a dry respite with lingering clouds before another disturbance potentially brings snow chances back into the mix. With low confidence at this stage, forecasters are withholding specific totals. However, the ridges might face a 40-60% chance of receiving at least 3 inches of snow, a phenomenon that would renew winter weather advisories in the area. By the middle of the week, another weather system could emerge to perpetuate the unsettled pattern, again increasing precipitation chances, but specifics remain locked in uncertainty.
Aviation interests will not escape unscathed, as the upcoming systems will inflict restrictions with mixed precipitation impacting flights and bringing potential travel woes. Pilots and passengers alike are advised to stay tuned for updates on expected conditions for the coming days. For those traversing the ground, the imminent ice on Saturday will likely make roads slick, making travel hazardous. The National Weather Service has yet to issue advisories but suggests they are imminent, "The chance of exceeding warning criteria ice amounts is low at this point (~20%)," the agency stated, underscoring that even minor ice accumulation can have significant impacts.
