It's a typical chilly day in Pittsburgh, with weather mechanics playing their part to bring a medley of snow and rain to the region. According to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA, a "weak disturbance" is expected to bring precipitation predominantly to the northern and eastern parts of the area. Folks can anticipate the variety, from snow earlier in the day transitioning to a combo of rain and snow as temps rise.
While the last of the measurable snow has called it quits early this morning, the reality of a mid-level cloud deck is setting in swiftly upstream. If you're planning to quickly hang any laundry out to dry, think again. The weather will not just suddenly turn in your favor, as PoPs are set to increase with a surface trough and a weak cold front headed our way. Forecasters have earmarked the I-80 corridor and the PA ridges for the highest chances of this frosty wet mix. Travelers and commuters take note, gusty winds are also on the menu, with the wind chill making it feel substantially colder than the actual temperature.
Moving into the evening, don't get too comfy with any lingering clear skies, because we've got showers that may transition back to snow overnight as temperatures again cool, according to the National Weather Service. Roads could get a little dodgy with frost patches and intermittent fog, especially as this inventiveness from the atmosphere leaves behind a fresh yet transient snowpack. For those making plans, expect today's highs to be roughly 10 degrees warmer than yesterday's, roughly around the 40-degree mark, which is still 5 degrees below average for this time of the year.
Looking ahead, Pittsburghers can breathe a sigh of relief for dry weather as we close the week. Thursday and Friday's forecast is more placid, with a high-pressure system ushering in drier conditions and temperate winds. But don't forget to pack an umbrella for the weekend—hints of rain are making a comeback. The long-term forecast suggests increasing rain chances this weekend due to a dynamic upper-level wave pairing up with an obstinate surface low and a cold front. A climb in rain chances from late Friday night into Saturday isn't out of the question either, with predictions suggesting more widespread rainfall later on Saturday into Sunday.
As for the aviators, VFR is dominating, while FKL/DUJ is already experiencing a downgrade to MVFR. Beyond this, any aviator's crystal ball gets cloudy with an uncertainty that's as stubborn as Pittsburgh steel. However, we can take solace in ensemble guidance showing a 30 percent chance of continued VFR until Friday morning. And for those on the ground, no watches, warnings, or advisories are in effect, which is at least one minor victory in the ever-turbulent theater of Western Pennsylvania weather.
