Bundled up against the cold, Pittsburgh residents are waking up to another frosty morning. The National Weather Service of Pittsburgh reports that frost and freeze conditions are not only the order of today, but will continue their icy grip into the coming night. The city, under a Frost Advisory through 9 AM, should brace for a potential encore. Another night of frost/freeze potential is expected Thursday night, noted the NWS, with forecasters holding off on additional warnings to avoid public confusion.
The impeccable, clear skies that graced the area will, ironically, become the architects of chilly dew points and the reason radiational cooling is very efficient overnight. By tomorrow, a cooler Canadian airmass will make its presence felt—sunshine notwithstanding—keeping thermometers a few degrees more modest than Wednesday. Residents farther north and east of Pittsburgh may even see the mercury dip below the frosty 32-degree mark, though with only a 20-40% chance, according to the NWS forecast.
Looking ahead to the weekend, a warm-up is on the horizon. The high-pressure game will continue to play, keeping showers at bay until late Friday, with only minimal rain expected. Saturday, things will start to look up, or rather, warm up, with temperatures forecasted to climb into the low 70s. But come Sunday, it's not all sunny. A robust cold system promises a shifty mix of heavy rain chances and blustery winds, with gusts that might just knock your hat off, reaching 30 to 40 mph across the board.
As the week unfolds into Monday, weather patterns become as uncertain as a flipped coin. Some forecasters see a wetter, chillier continuation, while others predict a more rapid clearing, courtesy of high pressure. Still, some showers around Monday morning" is the safest bet, given the low-level moisture and a fresh bout of cold air, says the NWS. Next week's weather dalliance remains a question, as ensembles offer varying outcomes—from continued rain to another low-pressure system stirring the pot as early as Tuesday.
For travelers and planning purposes, VFR conditions take the stage, as noted by aviation forecasts. Clear skies and light winds are the lead acts for Pittsburgh's airspace through Saturday, although the incoming Sunday system might well usher in a quick scene change to more challenging conditions. It's weather as usual in the Steel City, where blue skies and the calm before the storm are both part and parcel of its atmospheric repertoire.
