Pittsburgh is set to experience a break from the rain with progressively drier and warmer conditions forecast through Memorial Day, according to the latest National Weather Service Pittsburgh, PA report. However, rain chances are expected to make a comeback by Tuesday, with more seasonable temperatures set to prevail for the remainder of next week. The forecast was shared in an early morning discussion at 7:40 AM EDT this Saturday, indicating that the likelihood of showers would remain primarily in northwest PA during the day. Temperatures will persistently be below average due to the current cold anomaly. The National Weather Service reported the possibility of frost overnight due to "radiative cooling," cautioning that frost formation needs continued monitoring, particularly in areas forecast for clearing.
Sunday is expected to be marginally warmer with a slight chance of showers, largely north and east of Pittsburgh. As the shortwave influencing precipitation chances passes during the day, residents can look forward to a dry and pleasant Memorial Day. Yet those in the mountains of West Virginia might need to keep an umbrella close, as there's a 20% chance of rain due to orography. The unseasonably cool temperatures are set to quickly rebound into the 70s for most by Monday, providing a nice break before the rain is predicted to begin to pick back up by the middle of the week, drastically.
The long-term outlook pinpoints a high confidence in rain by mid-week, although the exact timing remains uncertain. The rain is anticipated to bring along Gulf moisture. At the same time, temperatures are forecast to adhere closer to typical norms for the period, which are expected to vary in the 60s to 70s range during the day. Despite this, the Weather Service admits to having low confidence in the exact timing of the rain. Still, it alludes to ensembles suggesting a possible troughing pattern towards the end of the week that could influence whether conditions are cooler and drier or warmer and wetter.
Aviation forecasts for the weekend are generally favorable with VFR to MVFR conditions around Pittsburgh. While the showers in the far north may persist, the weather is expected to improve as ceilings should rise to VFR. The National Weather Service warns of potential river valley fog formation later tonight under high pressure, which could influence flight visibility but is likely to dissipate shortly after sunrise. Next week, minimal visibility restrictions are projected until low pressure moves up the Ohio Valley, potentially impacting the area on Tuesday night and Wednesday with increased rain chances.
