According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh residents can look forward to a break in the clouds and a return to dry conditions as high pressure dominates the regional weather through Tuesday. In their early morning report, forecasters have clarified that while the day will see some patchy mid-level clouds, we're in for a stretch of warmer weather with temperatures close to seasonal levels.
However, don't put away your umbrellas just yet. A strong system is brewing to the west and will likely bring a mix of weather conditions starting Tuesday night. As stated by the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, "Strong low pressure brings rain and gusty wind mid week," which means folks in the Steel City should brace for rain and potentially thunderstorms. Gusty winds also feature prominently in the forecast, with possible severe thunderstorms, as Pittsburgh finds itself under a Marginal risk for severe weather.
As this system progresses, warm, wet conditions will shift to colder ones. Rain is expected to change to snow on Wednesday night and Thursday. Accumulations, mostly contained to higher elevations, could range from 1 to 3 inches, impacting the morning commute and visibility for anyone planning to travel.
Looking beyond the midweek mayhem, weather models suggest a return to dry conditions by Friday, with another trough likely to stir up the pot with more rain and snow chances into the weekend. The outlook for aviators is also worth noting, with VFR conditions prevailing through Tuesday and forecaster confidence in sustained VFR conditions under high pressure remaining near unwavering. However, pilots should anticipate restrictions beginning early Wednesday as the low-pressure system makes its presence known. As the National Weather Service Pittsburgh denotes, there's a "25% to 40% chance of IFR cigs increasing from KPIT to KFKL/KDUJ Wednesday morning and early afternoon." High winds will accompany the storm, so anyone traveling by air or ground should remain alert to further advisories.
For now, no watches, warnings, or advisories are in effect. However, residents should watch the skies and tune in to subsequent weather updates, particularly as we move into midweek's more tumultuous period.
