The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has reported a blast of cooler weather hitting the area, marking a dramatic shift from the recent mild temperatures. According to the Area Forecast Discussion, Pittsburgh residents can expect blustery and cooler weather on tap for Sunday, with the likelihood of lake-effect snow to the north of I-80 come Sunday night into Monday. Another weather system is anticipated to roll through Tuesday, bringing a rain and snow mix, with temperatures projected to rise midweek before rainfall resumes later in the week.
For adventurers and commuters alike, Sunday has shaped up to rapidly become a day to stay vigilant, bringing gusts up to 55 mph over the east Tucker County, WV ridges. Scattered showers are expected to transform to snow north of I-80 as the temperatures drop. The highest wind gusts across the lowlands will peak near 35 mph, the National Weather Service cautioned, with conditions remaining gusty into Monday. Winter Weather Advisories are in place for Venango, Clarion, and Jefferson Counties until Monday afternoon, with two to five inches of snow expected, and the potential for up to a foot in areas where snow bands linger the longest.
Lake effect snow bands are projected to waver but could bring efficient snowfall from Sunday evening into midday Monday, particularly targeting northeastern Forest County. A Wind Advisory has been issued for east Tucker County through 10 AM Monday due to high wind gusts. Commuters traveling in and out of these counties should be prepared for sharp variations in snow accumulation, from a coating or less farther south due to warmer ground temperatures and less persistent snowfall, to more significant snowfall in the northeast.
Turning to the forecast for early in the week, snow showers are expected to wind down Monday night as winds start to subside. By Tuesday, yet another weather disturbance makes its entrance, propelling a mix of rain and snow through the region. "WAA strengthens and a turnover to rain is expected by early afternoon," per the National Weather Service's statement. As the system makes its exit, the region should see clearer skies, setting up for above-average temperatures mid to late week, though another disturbance may incite a rise in rain chances once again late in the week.
Aviation-wise, VFR conditions are generally expected, barring some MVFR early this morning in certain areas. Notably, lake effect snow bands could impact air travel through Monday, with FKL and DUJ airports watching for possible moderate to heavy snowfall overnight. While snow bands may persist into Monday across the I-80 corridor, a general trend of improvement is projected as we head into the early part of next week.
Residents are advised to stay current with the latest weather updates, mind the advisories, and prepare accordingly as this dynamic weather system continues to influence the greater Pittsburgh area through the coming days.
