The streets of Pittsburgh are layered today with a forecasted wintry mix, as low-pressure systems turn the city into an ice rink, at least north of I-70. The National Weather Service Pittsburgh is advising Pittsburghers to stay vigilant. With an Ice Storm Warning in effect from 10 AM this morning to 7 AM EST Saturday for several zones, including parts of the Interstate 80 corridor and the ridges.
For those hoping to catch a break from the ice, today may not be the day. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 3 PM EST this afternoon for various regions, according to the service. Residents in the advisory areas might see that freezing rain changing to plain rain, but not before possibly dealing with a quarter to a third of an inch of ice, enough to seriously complicate travel and endanger power lines.
Come Saturday, some respite is expected. Forecasters are predicting a dry day thanks to a high-pressure system. But don't get too cozy with those clear skies because rain is primed to make a reappearance on Sunday with approaching low pressure, signaling a potentially wet end to the weekend.
Looking ahead, those winter layers won't be packed up anytime soon. Post Monday's cold front, ushering in blustery winds, the week will serve colder temperatures and periodic snow chances as a trough takes up residence above the Eastern U.S. It seems the region is slated to remember this winter as one that delivered its chill in spades, keeping snow shovels in business and winter coats at the ready.
But for now, the immediate concern is staying safe on the roads. The aviation sector isn't exempt from the weather's impacts, either. Visibility and ceiling restrictions are predicted to stick around through early Saturday morning as the region grapples with current climatic fluctuations. MVFR to IFR conditions are expected between 15Z to 18Z today, the National Weather Service points out, which means some tricky flying conditions for anyone trying to get in or out of Pittsburgh at that time. Safe travels out there, whether on the ground or in the air.
