Pittsburghers, brace yourselves for a day of chilly flurries as an upper-level disturbance is primed to scatter snow across the region, according to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh. Today's forecast, which includes widespread light snow and heavier convective snow showers with potential localized impacts, also carries a Winter Weather Advisory for the PA/WV ridges and a Cold Weather Advisory for E.Tucker, according to the latest bulletin.
Dig out the winter gear because the forecast suggests that, although it's the kind of day that sends a shiver down the spine, temperatures are once again well below what we're used to—so staying warm is the savvy move, a strengthening of the northwest flow is predicted, creating instability and potentially leading to lake enhanced bands later in the day.
But don't lose hope in weather redemption, as the weekend will be dry and warmer. The snow celebrity is set to exit this evening as subsidence gains ground. The threat of lake-enhanced snow bands dwindles into the night, and high pressure on Saturday is ready to show winter the door while easing the cold's grip.
Akin to the brief sunshine breaking through the clouds, Sunday's high probability of ridging and temperature moderation brings respite. However, with a series of shortwaves due early next week, precipitation could swing back into the mix, so don't pack away those winter blankets just yet, but that's life in the 'Burgh—a place where weather pivots quicker than a running back on Heinz Field turf.
For you skywatchers and frequent fliers, the aviation forecast is mixed. Snowfall this morning will transition to periods of heavier snow showers this afternoon, with visibilities potentially reduced to less than a mile. Strong northwest gusts will also make an appearance, the National Weather Service advises. Air travel into the weekend should gradually return to VFR conditions by Friday afternoon. The dry spell continues into Sunday before the region perhaps buckles up for another weather rollercoaster ride early next week.
