According to the National Weather Service's latest forecast, Pittsburgh residents can expect another day of showers and potential thunderstorms. With an issued Flood Watch effective from noon today through the evening, Pittsburgh and surrounding regions are on alert for localized flooding due to anticipated heavy rainfall. National Weather Service Pittsburgh, PA, suggests patchy morning fog from prior rainfall should dissipate by mid-morning. However, with high Precipitable Water values, termed PWATS, the potential for flash flooding remains a concern.
Specifically, "Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue, mainly PGH and to the south," as highlighted in their early morning weather synopsis. Residents in Allegheny County and southward should brace for conditions that might be less than conducive for the average Sunday out. Additionally, the quasi-stationary boundary along the Mason-Dixon line is the culprit behind these weather patterns, which are causing storm concentrations and raising flood watch alerts for various counties across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Looking to the start of the week, the same alert continues with similar flash flood chances forecasted mainly south of Pittsburgh on Monday, according to the weather report. While Precipitable Water values are expected to decrease slightly, this does not drastically reduce the potential for flooding. The window of concern stretches from noon to 8 PM, when the combination of heating and atmospheric forcing triggers these weather events.
On a slightly warmer note, a mid-week warmup is forecast with high confidence in temperatures climbing back into the mid- to upper 80s. Later in the week, the National Weather Service's discussions shift to potential severe weather as we move from the heat to the signal of a weak troughing pattern. "Increasing probabilities into Thursday and Friday" are reported for the latter half of the week, which could introduce a new suite of severe weather conditions and a temperature swing.
For aviation concerns, the outlook isn't any clearer as "periodic restrictions are expected through Thursday," due to disturbances along the frontal boundary, per NWS. Late night and early morning travel might face delays owing to thunderstorms and associated restrictions. These weather patterns are forecast to continue well into the week, with a particular focus on Thursday for pilots and travelers to be aware of more organized showers and storms due to a cold front's approach.
