The National Weather Service of Pittsburgh has laid out a clear and cool forecast for the end of December. After a bit of patchy morning fog, Pittsburgh residents can expect dry conditions today, courtesy of building high pressure. However, this weather respite is short-lived as rain is anticipated to return on Sunday following a warm front, ultimately giving way to snow on Monday due to a drastic temperature drop and strong winds accompanying a formidable cold front.
According to the forecast, dry weather will continue tonight as the shortwave ridge begins to shift east of the area. Sunday's weather will be significantly shaped by a deepening surface low advancing from the southern Plains to the Lake Michigan area, pulling moisture and higher probabilities of rain in its wake. While areas south of I-68 will see fewer chances of precipitation, the National Weather Service indicates that POPs increase to categorical further north with the advancing warm front.
The transition from rain to snow on Monday promises a stark change in the weather narrative for Pittsburgh. The National Weather Service's discussion makes it clear that as the cold front advances, temperatures are rising Sunday night, and falling on Monday, setting the stage for snowfall that could accumulate to 1-3 inches north of the I-80 corridor, and generally an inch or less to the south. Adding to the dramatic shift, strong wind gusts are projected to reach advisory levels, potentially gusting up to 50mph, especially across the higher terrain.
The colder climate stretches its grip into the long-term forecast through much of next week, with a persistent long-wave trough across the Eastern CONUS ushering in periodic snow chances and chilly temperatures. A reinforcing cold front late Wednesday into Thursday is predicted to bring about the most frigid temperatures of the week. In terms of aviation, the Service cautions that MVFR/IFR cig restrictions this morning lift to predominantly MVFR by afternoon, signaling a brief clearing that is anticipated to regress as yet another low cloud deck will make its presence felt by the end of the day ahead of Sunday's weather system.
No advisories are currently in place according to the latest update from the National Weather Service, but with strong gusts and a significant shift in conditions just over the horizon, travelers and residents alike should remain vigilant and tuned in to upcoming forecasts as we approach the final days of 2025.
