As the new year approaches, Pittsburgh residents are bracing themselves for another round of winter weather woes. The National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA issued an area forecast discussion early this morning, warning of light snow that may impact morning travel and a new disturbance expected to hit the region this afternoon into early New Year's Day. According to the NWS discussion, accumulating snow and widespread impacts are on the cards, particularly in ridge areas, with conditions set to taper off by Thursday morning.
The forecast laid out a tapestry of snowy conditions, with cold conditions continuing, and travel impacts are expected to increase due to snow later today. Early snow this morning brought lowered visibility in eastern Ohio and enhancement along the ridges, where elevations above 3,000ft in West Virginia could potentially reach near 2 inches by late morning. These flurries, described as very dry and fluffy due to high snow ratios, are giving the steel city more than just a dusting.
Moving into the short-term forecast, the snow hiatus from about 10 am to 2 pm will make way for a stronger shortwave invader. Bringing its own cohorts of snowflakes, the late afternoon escalation is anticipated to continue into Thursday morning. With travel advisories and warnings firmly in place, snow amounts could range from 2 to 5 inches in lower elevations and up to 6 to 9 inches in the higher terrains of the Laurel Highlands. Pittsburghers should especially beware between 7 pm Wednesday and 2 am Thursday when banded snowfall rates could reach their peak of 1 inch per hour.
The long-term outlook promises a brief respite over the weekend after enduring the storm's tyranny. The National Weather Service indicates quiet weather Thursday night into Friday and a high confidence that the weekend will be free of winter weather impacts. In the final stretch of the forecast, the NWS shared that temperatures could climb back to near-normal levels come Monday and Tuesday. Despite the grip of winter's chill, Pittsburghers can look ahead to lighter skies and steadier footing come the weekend.
Aviation updates also reflect the tumultuous weather, with early morning light snow causing MVFR cigs and anticipation of deteriorating conditions this afternoon. A distinct, heavier band of snow is expected to challenge visibility and clog the skies between 20-06z at all ports. While the adverse weather might be ushered out swiftly after 06z Thursday, minor flurries could linger along the I-80 corridor. The airports and their patrons, cleaved by quivering gusts up to 25 knots in the tempest's embrace, should see VFR conditions return by the end of the week.
