Those in Pittsburgh can expect the lake effect showers to linger this morning, particularly north of the city, with temperatures hanging around 10 degrees below the norm. This weather update comes courtesy of the National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA, which has been tracking the conditions closely.
The presence of warm lake surface temperatures, juxtaposed with cooler air at 850mb, is creating isolated lake effect showers that should subside by late morning, owing to a shift in the wind direction. Weak fetch across the lake and winds shifting from the west will likely decrease the potential for lake effect by late morning, the National Weather Service reported. Residents should brace for a potential dip in record LowMax and LowMin at a few climate sites today.
Looking ahead to tonight and into Thursday, a period of brief ridging will not do much to warm things up, as the cool spell is expected to persist. Increased cloud coverage and precipitation chances arrive Thursday evening as an upper-level low from Ontario makes its way over the region. The National Blend of Models (NBM) suggests higher probabilities (above 60%) for measurable precipitation north of I-80 through midnight; areas south of Pittsburgh are 20% or lower, the forecast discussion from the National Weather Service stated.
As Friday approaches, early risers can anticipate precipitation before the break of 8 am, but by late morning, it's likely to wane. Nevertheless, the day's high is anticipated to fall 10 degrees below what is normal, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low-70s. Cooler air aloft, lingering clouds, and residual precipitation will keep Friday`s high 10 degrees below normal, per the Weather Service's report.
Weekend warriors can rejoice at the forecast of dry and quiet weather, as the low-pressure system weakens and drifts eastward, and a ridge builds from the west, promising a slight upturn in temperatures on Sunday. By early next week, conditions are expected to return to near-normal levels, creating a baseline for what can be considered typical late summer weather in Pittsburgh.
