As Pittsburgh begins a new work week, the National Weather Service has issued its latest forecast, which paints a mixed bag of weather events ahead. According to the area weather discussion, the city can expect calm conditions today, but is bracing for stormier skies as Monday rolls around. Early risers today might have caught sight of patchy dense fog, which forecasters had warned could necessitate a Dense Fog Advisory.
The forecast for the remainder of Sunday boasts "mostly dry conditions," except for potential showers along the West Virginia ridges this afternoon. As the cold front stalls south of the Mason-Dixon line, the city should see temperatures lingering in the mid to upper 80s, a touch above seasonal norms, said the National Weather Service. Those hoping for cooler temperatures at night will be only slightly placated, as the mercury is expected to dip into the upper 60s and lower 70s. At the same time, patchy fog could once again make an appearance.
Looking forward, Monday is shaping up to be less benign as the front lifts again, increasing the likelihood of showers and perhaps thunderstorms in the area. With elevated PWATs and widespread instability, threats of flooding and severe weather should not be dismissed. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has placed the region under a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall, and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) adds the possibility of severe wind to the mix.
Colder air trailing a Tuesday cold front should bring temperatures back down to seasonal averages, hinting at relief for those yearning for a hint of seasonal regularity. Looking ahead to midweek, dry and seasonable weather may be on the horizon, as high pressure under quasi-zonal flow aloft takes effect. Thursday, however, could see a return of showers, according to the National Weather Service, although high pressure may foster dry conditions as we head into the weekend.
In terms of aviation, the National Weather Service advises caution, especially in the early mornings, when dense fog could disrupt visibility. By mid-morning, clearer skies are expected to prevail. As for the latter part of Sunday, airports may experience the occasional stray shower or thunderstorm, with a notable mention of a PROB30 in for MGW, as a thunderstorm can't be fully ruled out. Looking further ahead, VFR conditions are forecasted to follow a more turbulent start to the week after the cold front passes through on Tuesday.
