Today's weather report from the National Weather Service's Pittsburgh PA office warns of hot, sticky conditions giving way to potentially stormy weather. Pittsburghers are under a heat advisory, with high pressure driving temperatures into the lower 90s, making the air feel even warmer. Eastern Ohioans, in particular, brace for heat index values around 100 degrees later in the day.
The heat is expected to continue throughout the day, although some relief may be on the way, as showers and thunderstorms are predicted to roll in late Thursday night through Friday and continue into Saturday. This could lead to heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday, so be prepared. Temperatures will remain high, and the combination of heat and humidity is likely to push heat index values into the uncomfortable 90s territory again. However, a drop below the advisory threshold is anticipated.
According to the National Weather Service, VFR and dry weather conditions are expected to persist through today, with winds coming from the southwest at 7-10 knots. However, those in the skies should be aware that increased cloudiness and moisture will introduce chances for showers north and northwest of Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC) come tonight and into early Friday.
As the weekend gives way to early next week, the Upper Ohio Valley region may see a semblance of a reprieve, as a strong ridge predicted to build over the OH/TN/MS Valley regions is likely to bring a brief period of mainly dry weather Monday. Still, for those hoping for a consistent break from the heat and humidity, it's not quite time to rejoice. Occasional showers and storm chances are expected to return late Monday through Wednesday, as the building ridge to our southwest persists. However, a shift in the weather pattern by midweek is anticipated to bring some cooler, drier conditions, following the end of the long-term period.
