Brace yourselves, Pittsburgh, as the summer sizzle rolls on with high heat warnings and thunderstorm troubles brewing. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has provided an update on what locals can expect, and the short of it is—stay cool and keep an eye on the sky. Hot and humid conditions with a chance of rowdy weather are expected to persist through the weekend, with today's high temperatures escalating to the point where a Heat Advisory stays in effect until 5 pm EDT. Particularly concerning are the predictions of thunderstorms that can produce damaging winds and cause flash flooding across the area.
As said by the National Weather Service, "Hot and humid conditions will continue today." They've also warned to be ready for an upsurge in shower and thunderstorm chances as a cold front moves in. This mix of heat and atmospheric churning has poised the region on a "Marginal Risk" rating for severe storms; locals should anticipate heavy rainfall, which could quickly turn to flash flooding if thunderstorms repeatedly hit the same locales. Convection is set to ramp up this afternoon, providing some relief in the form of cloud cover and cooling precipitation, but with it, the risks distinctly rise.
Once the sun dips below the horizon, don't expect the storms to do the same necessarily. The weather front is slated to stay put across Pittsburgh, setting the stage for more evening fireworks in the form of thunder and lightning. The storms, however, are expected to dial back as instability decreases. But with the front lingering, some activity could carry on overnight, so the sound of distant thunder might be your unwelcome lullaby.
Looking ahead to the end of the week, thunderstorms aren't bidding farewell just yet. According to the National Weather Service's projections, showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase in coverage again as another low-pressure system steps to the stage Thursday afternoon. The consistency of such wet and wild weather is due to a stubborn upper high and an accompanying series of shortwaves trailing along its northern edge. With so much potential for harsh weather, locals should keep an umbrella close and be prepared for any necessary weather-related amendments to their plans over the weekend.
Last but not least, climate historiographers will be on watch, as current temperature trends are nudging close to some historical records for heat. For instance, Pittsburgh's record for today stands at a toasty 98°F set way back in 1988. Whether that record falls or stands will no doubt be talked about in overheated discussions around town. Keep cool and well-hydrated, Pittsburgh.
For the most recent weather updates, visit the National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA website.
