Pittsburgh is set for a series of warm and sunny days as the city heads into the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, high pressure will keep the city mostly dry, with only a slight chance of rain on the distant horizon. Residents should expect above-normal temperatures through to next week, although a gentle knock-down of the heat is possible as cloud cover increases.
Those commuting early this morning might have faced areas of fog, especially in the valleys surrounding Pittsburgh. The conditions have been favorable for these foggy patches, with light wind and clear skies following the departure of yesterday's cloud cover. Highs today will hit the lower to middle 80s, a full 10 degrees above what's typical for this time of year. Conversely, the forecast for Friday night points towards dryness continuing, with highs still hovering above normal south of US-422, despite a weak front that will cool things off slightly in the north.
As we roll into the weekend, the weather remains agreeably cooperative. Saturday should mimic Friday's conditions, according to experts, though the southeast ridges of Pittsburgh might see a light shower or two. Any rainfall, however, is expected to be minimal and not substantial enough to address the growing concerns of drought. Looking ahead to next week, there is a slight uptick in rain chances, but with low expectations for significant precipitation to fill our rainfall deficits. Temperatures, while on a slight decline, are predicted to persist above average through midweek.
Aviation-wise, Pittsburgh can expect continued favorable flying weather. VFR is favored through the TAF period as high pressure remains in control, with only limited cloud cover and valley fog that is likely to clear by mid-morning, provided that the current weather holds up. The approaching week may see potential showers, especially northwest of Pittsburgh, though conditions strong enough to perturb the overall VFR status are not anticipated.
No advisories are currently in place for Pennsylvania, Ohio, or West Virginia, as reported by the National Weather Service. This calm spell offers Pittsburgh a chance to bask in the last few rays of warm sunshine before the fall weather inevitably sets in, bringing with it the cooler temperatures and changing leaves that herald the transition to the end of the year.
