Pittsburgh is bracing for a weather shift, and the crossing of a cold front is stirring up the weekend calm. According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, PA, residents can expect "a cooldown" and "scattered precipitation" today before a return to drier conditions on Sunday. This change comes as the front, alongside an upper low over the northern Great Lakes, makes its passage throughout the day.
The immediate effects will be notable. Temperatures are set to remain steady or even drop post-frontal passage. Furthermore, winds will be on the heftier side, kicking up dust and debris with gusts ranging from 30-40 mph by late morning. Specifically, those in the ridges of eastern Tucker County should brace themselves, as a wind advisory is in effect with gusts up to 50 mph possible. These conditions are forecasted to persist until 2 AM on Sunday.
Looking ahead, as the front moves out, "cooler and drier pattern returns Sunday," points out the National Weather Service. Pittsburghers can anticipate a stretch of seasonable weather, courtesy of troughing over the Great Lakes and northeast CONUS that will be steering a cool northwest flow through the beginning of the week.
However, it seems this clear spell is merely a pause. Another system is set to bring precipitation chances surging back from Tuesday into Wednesday with the emergence of a new low-pressure system tracking east. "Potential for heavy rain mid-week that warrants monitoring," cautions the National Weather Service. Concerns arise from models suggesting a stationary boundary could be hanging south of Pittsburgh, potentially setting the stage for significant rainfall in the region.
For those with an eye on the sky, particularly in the aviation sector, "some clearing is expected early this morning," with a brief respite from showers before the main act of the frontal crossing. Variable conditions will rule with "a VFR stratocu layer" anticipated alongside possible isolated thunderstorms. Wind gusts will remain assertive, presenting a challenge for aviators and making a tight grip on the steering wheel a good idea for motorists crossing the region's bridges.
No watches or warnings have been issued for Pennsylvania or Ohio, but West Virginia holds a lone Wind Advisory for the specified ridge areas. Keep umbrellas at the ready, and hats firmly secured, Pittsburgh: the weather won't be waiting for any slow pokes.
