Residents across Pittsburgh can expect a soggy start to their Tuesday, with forecasters predicting steady showers and a chance of non-severe thunderstorms as a cold front sweeps through the area. According to the National Weather Service, the wet weather will persist until Wednesday morning, followed by cooler and drier conditions for the remainder of the week.
The latest bulletin from the NWS outlines that widespread rain with 1" to 1.5" forecast over the next 24 hours is expected, with locally higher amounts possible in some areas. Pittsburghers should be aware of the potential for isolated flooding, especially in poor drainage and low-lying areas where accumulated leaves may exacerbate issues. However, the broad threat of widespread flooding seems minimal as the downpour is spread over a longer timeframe, and the chance of 1"/hour rates is very low, and dry antecedent conditions preclude such a threat, the service stated.
As we head into Wednesday, any lingering showers will give way to a crisp airmass, ushering in average to below-average temperatures under sunny skies. This weather turnaround is thanks in part to a high-pressure system moving in post-frontal passage. The National Weather Service indicates that the cooler, drier air mass will result in afternoon highs near normal on Wednesday, to below average on Thursday. Residents might want to pull out their sweaters, as there's potential for frost with forecasted lows in the 30s and 40s, although elevated northerly winds could limit the chill factor Thursday morning.
Looking ahead towards the weekend, the weather leans towards a more agreeable narrative with dry weather favored through the weekend, though pattern variability exists, as per the NWS forecast. While uncertainty lingers due to possible coastal developments, the Pittsburgh area and the upper Ohio River Valley are currently poised to experience a gentle warm-up with temperatures expected to be about 5 degrees above average. But as always, the wise will keep an eye out for that sneaky coastal low that may or may not invite itself inland.
In the aviation sector, departing and arriving flights today can anticipate a myriad of conditions. With mid-level clouds on the increase and showers likely spreading by the afternoon, the National Weather Service notes a forecast deterioration to MVFR from west to east. IFR conditions might also settle in by late afternoon or early evening until the cold front passes. However, pilots and passengers can expect improving conditions with VFR returning from Wednesday through the weekend.
