The city of Pittsburgh braces for a weather roller coaster this weekend, with the National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA predicting showers and thunderstorms expected to roll through today and into Sunday. A brief reprieve is forecasted for Monday and Tuesday, bringing high pressure and potentially some sunny days ahead for residents. The risk of heavy rain and possible flooding, however, looms, particularly in the south and west of Pittsburgh.
Early morning commuters in Pittsburgh may have faced challenging conditions due to "lingering stratus and fog," as noted by the National Weather Service. Although primarily a hazard for the ridges, valley fog hasn't been ruled out. The fog and low stratus are expected to clear out later in the morning. Still, it comes with the potential to seriously complicate rapidly changing weather conditions as the day progresses.
By the afternoon, Pittsburgh residents can expect to quickly dodge thunderstorms as the frontal systems begin to shift actively. The late-day convection could arrive weakened from Ohio, with a lessening risk for severe weather as noted by the Storm Prediction Center, which maintained a marginal risk over areas north and west of MGW. Meanwhile, the deluge ahead poses a flooding risk, with PWATs expected to rise above the 90th percentile later today into tonight, according to the Weather Service's analysis.
Sunday's weather is expected to take a dramatic turn with a cold frontal passage anticipated, according to the forecast, potentially ushering in an isolated threat of flooding. As ensemble models project, big hopes are pinned on high pressure to usher in drier conditions by Monday, finally offering Pittsburgh a break from the tempestuous elements. Running up to midweek, the region can expect to shift gears to warmer and more humid days, with heat and humidity beginning to climb, and the chances for showers and thunderstorms re-emerging Thursday and Friday.
For travelers, aviation reports indicate varying visibility as stratus decks and potential showers could persist into the afternoon. The outlook for the early week suggests bright skies, according to ensemble models, which promote dry weather on Monday and Tuesday, with subsidence aiding a prolonged period of VFR conditions.
Keeping an umbrella on hand and an eye on the skies might be the best approach for Pittsburgh this weekend as the weather promises to deliver varied conditions at the mercy of shifting fronts and pressure systems.
