Pittsburgh residents should brace for a wetter weekend as the National Weather Service forecasts increased chances of precipitation due to an incoming low-pressure system accompanied by a cold front. The weather alert indicates that while today will be warmer ahead of the front, it's expected that cooler temperatures are on the horizon, settling in next week with a drier weather pattern to follow.
In the near term, scattered showers and storms are anticipated mainly south and east of Pittsburgh, with possible heavy downpours in urban areas. According to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA, "Daytime highs will move up to the mid/upper 80s" today. Despite the increased moisture, the likelihood of flash flooding is described as low, contributing to the increased surface instability, which isolated to scattered showers will be punctuating the weekend weather narrative.
The short-term outlook through Sunday night retains a focus on the passing cold front that will spur continued showers and storms. Nevertheless, the National Weather Service report specifies, any impacts from excessive rainfall likely will be limited, given that the projected storm motion is quick and the expected rainfall is typical for this kind of weather event. This means that while Pittsburghers should keep their umbrellas handy, widespread flooding is not a major concern at this time.
Looking into next week, a dip in temperatures is all but guaranteed, with forecast highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s reminiscent of mid-September weather patterns rather than those of late August. A front bringing cooler weather is also expected to generate lake-effect showers, particularly on Tuesday, but the report clarifies that the "reach of these showers appears limited to areas near and north of I-80," sparing those well south of the interstate from the brunt of this effect.
The aviation sector isn't expected to escape from weather-induced complications either. VFR conditions are predicted to prevail initially, but with increasing clouds and possible showers or storms later in the day, there's some potential for impact on flight schedules. In tandem with the strongest convergence/orographic ascent, the National Weather Service highlights a TEMPO there and PROB30s elsewhere save ZZV, referencing specific areas more likely to feel the effects of weather-related disruptions during this period.
