Pittsburgh locals can look forward to a stretch of dry and seasonably warm weather, as high pressure continues to dominate the regional forecast. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh reports no significant changes in the near-term climate, with temperatures expected to hover in the mid-80s and dewpoints in the comfortable 50s range, providing relief from the typical humidity of summer. It's not all clear skies, however. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code ORANGE air quality alert for Mercer, Venango, and Forest counties, cautioning sensitive groups about potential health impacts until midnight tonight.
In a more easterly direction, winds are set to shift under the high pressure, capping their speed at a gentle 8kts. While conditions are conducive to clear views at treetop level, above, the skies paint a different picture. High clouds drifting in from the west and scattered fair-weather clouds around 5kft are anticipated, according to the National Weather Service.
Tuesday's weather charts hold onto the dry spell, with only a slim chance of a stray shower grazing northern West Virginia in the evening. High temperatures will persist in the mid-80s, but the humidity isn’t expected to spike just yet, maintaining the day's comfort. Overnight, increasing cloud cover is forecast to keep lows in the 60s, save for cooler pockets at higher elevations.
Moving on towards the weekend, those who favor the heat may find their patience rewarded. Ensemble models are nudging the mercury up close to the 90-degree mark, with mugginess following in tandem. The National Weather Service projects moderate to major heat-related impacts, particularly in valleys and urban sprawls like Pittsburgh. Moreover, there's a notable uptick in probabilities for afternoon thunderstorms come Friday into Saturday, though the strength of these storms is still pegged as low.
For those with their eyes to the skies, pilots can expect a long stretch of visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. Aside from the potential of some patchy morning fog, the NWS forecasts no significant aviation concerns during the middle of the week. Those traveling can thank the stubborn high pressure for the continuous clear sailing—or flying, to be precise.
While no advisories beyond the air quality alert are active for Ohio or West Virginia, residents in these areas should stay updated. You can always find the latest weather updates through the National Weather Service's official forecasts.
