The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh issued an updated forecast today, providing insights into the weather pattern Pittsburgh can expect over the next few days. Early morning fog will lead to a gradual clearing trend, although a few showers and storms could still hit the ridges. The forecast then predicts mainly dry weather through Saturday night as high pressure builds in the region. The National Weather Service reports that shower and thunderstorm chances are set to return on Sunday with an approaching cold front.
For today, the weather is slated to remain predominantly dry except for isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms near the ridges and in northern West Virginia. A cold front stretching from southwest New York to southern Ohio will slowly move southward today, continuing to affect these areas. However, dry conditions are expected elsewhere as surface high pressure begins to establish itself from the north firmly. Dry weather is expected outside of the areas mentioned above, according to the forecast discussion.
Looking ahead, the short-term forecast leading into the weekend is mainly free from complications. High pressure is predicted to keep conditions dry, and temperatures are expected to rise. By Saturday, parts of the city can brace themselves to heat up with temps that could peak between the upper 80s and lower 90s, except in the higher terrain. The NWS anticipates 500 mb heights to increase through Friday into Saturday, paving the way for the heat to return across the Upper Ohio Valley.
Come Sunday, the clear skies we've grown accustomed to will give way to increased chances of rain and thunder. The National Weather Service indicates a series of shortwaves and a surface cold front will work their way across the region, potentially impacting the entire I-70 corridor with precipitation. Shower and thunderstorm chances are expected to return, according to the ensemble models used for forecasting. Following another hot day on Sunday, the weather should take a turn towards more typical readings for this time of year by the middle of next week.
Travelers and commuters should note that the aviation forecast is optimistic. After the morning fog lifts, VFR conditions are primarily expected to prevail through the weekend. Pilots are, however, advised to be cautious of isolated showers and thunderstorms that could affect some ridge areas and Morgantown. Otherwise, traffic in the skies should be smooth sailing, with no weather watches, warnings, or advisories in effect for Pennsylvania, Ohio, or West Virginia at this time.
