Pittsburgh is gearing up for a dynamic mix of weather as the National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA forecasts rain today with a cold front bringing snow showers for Thanksgiving. According to their morning report, a warm front lifting north across the area is responsible for the wet weather, which will continue into Wednesday ahead of chillier air sweeping through, ushering in potential snow showers and lake-enhanced snow along and north of Interstate 80.
The near-term forecast anticipates rain and unseasonably warm temperatures due to a shortwave trough and increased moisture; however, gusty winds and a temperature dip are on the horizon as a cold front is set to cross the region on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service discussion. Rainfall could accumulate between 0.5 to 0.75 inches, and winds could gust up to 40mph—possibly reaching advisory levels in the higher elevations.
Forecasters are expecting a transition from rain to snow showers late Wednesday into the night, with the main focus for snow showers on Thanksgiving to be north of Pittsburgh, potentially intensified by lake effect snow. Snow showers will likely continue through Thursday night with a Winter Weather Advisory possibly being announced should upcoming models confirm the prediction, a move that underlines the likelihood of disruptive weather conditions.
The outlook for Friday through Monday suggests a tapering off of snow showers from south to north during Friday, with temperatures moderating over the weekend and into early next week, although unsettled weather is anticipated to continue; another shortwave trough is expected to bring a renewed chance of rain and snow late Saturday into Sunday, with rain likely on Monday as yet another trough approaches the region.
Furthermore, aviation will be affected today, with initial rain maintaining VFR conditions deteriorating towards IFR as the day progresses and rain overspreads the area, the NWS forecast discussion notes; the approach and passage of the cold front on Wednesday will introduce gusty conditions and a switch to snow showers, possibly affecting flight visibility, especially for FKL/DUJ terminals later this week due to lake effect snow prospects.
