According to the National Weather Service, Pittsburgh is experiencing sunshine and warmth today, with high pressure expected to promote dry weather and slowly rising temperatures through Sunday. So while we’re celebrating with a touch of fog in the air, folks in Pittsburgh will be soaking up a sunnier kind of Fourth.
The National Weather Service predicts "dry and sunny weather for the Fourth," with temperatures expected to rise a few degrees above normal thanks to the sunny skies and dry conditions. But don't pack away those sweaters just yet if you find yourself in the Steel City – because as the sun dips down, there might be another round of river valley fog creeping in tonight, though increasing high clouds could limit its development. The low temperatures tonight will remain near average, which is typical for a July night in Pittsburgh.
As for the rest of the weekend, anyone planning some outdoor BBQs or picnics is in for a treat. Saturday should bring in highs into the upper 80s and possibly even near 90°F in some areas, with the highest probabilities for 90°F across eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia panhandle, and the Pittsburgh urban heat island, as the NWS discussion states. But the sizzling doesn't stop there – Sunday's forecast looks to turn up the heat even more, with a 75%-95% probability that maximum temperatures will reach or exceed 90°F.
The long-term outlook, starting Sunday night, indicates a classic summer pattern with shower and thunderstorm chances returning, linked to disturbances embedded in the flow aloft that are expected to cross the region, as the NWS discussion periodically elaborates. The beginning of the week is expected to remain hot, with high temperatures persisting and a low chance of a Heat Advisory, as heat indices are likely to remain in the 90s. However, there's some potential relief midweek, with cooler air forecasted to sweep in post-Monday due to a passing cold front — though rain chances remain on the docket for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The impact on aviation appears minimal, with high confidence in VFR throughout the TAF period under the influence of high pressure, characterized by a generally light afternoon northwest wind and a few diurnal cumulus clouds, according to the NWS. Pilots and passengers can expect uninterrupted visibility and smooth flying conditions at least until late Sunday when weather activities might start to stir things up again.
