The City of Bridges woke up to a coverlet of snow this chilly morning, but the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh forecasts calmer, yet still icy conditions for the upcoming weekend. The weather discussion early today detailed, light snow continues early this morning with light freezing rain mixing with snow in the West Virginia ridges. Moreover, while flurries are petering out, Pittsburgh commuters faced "minor impacts" on their morning drive.
For the rugged terrain of Northern West Virginia, the weather poses a greater challenge, in the ridges of northern WV, specifically Tucker and southeast Preston counties, slightly heavier snow rates (0.2-0.4 in/hr) and periods of freezing rain/drizzle will make for more hazardous travel conditions, as reported by the National Weather Service, with a corresponding winter weather advisory in effect until 11 AM Friday. While the snow show diminishes through the morning, those wandering north of I-80 or residing in the ridges might catch the last flutters into the afternoon. Residents can expect the thermometer to dip below their comfort level tonight as conditions dry out under a starless sky.
The short-term doesn’t hold much promise for heat, as forecasters predict that temperatures will dip below seasonal averages through the weekend. There's a slim possibility of light snow accumulation north of I-80 Saturday night, but it's likely to be a light touch with scant impact. By Sunday, some fleeting lake-effect flurries could dance down the I-80 corridor, though no significant accumulations are expected.
Looking ahead into next week, there’s a dim silver lining as Mercator's projections usher in warmer climes. Long-range ensembles continue to signal a shift in the pattern early next week as NE CONUS upper troughing finally departs to the east and zonal flow develops over our region, the National Weather Service predicts. This heralds a welcome warming, with temperatures melting back towards the seasonal mean, and the latter half of the week could see highs cresting 50 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. The evolving weather pattern also suggests a sporadic drizzle of precipitation through the week, albeit with low impact expectations. A mix of light snow to start and then a rain regime towards the week's end is on the cards as quick-moving low-pressure systems pay their visits.
As for the local aviary community, light snow will flutter over FKL/DUJ airports through the morning, and pockets of low VFR and MVFR will dominate the aerial view. "Wind veers slightly towards west; a few 15-25 knot afternoon gusts possible," notes the National Weather Service, with an eye towards the skies and the turning winds. A building high-pressure system might ease conditions by Saturday, only for another system to possibly dust the region with more snow on Sunday morning. Travelers by air should take heed of these transitory visibilities as they go about their weekend wanderings.
In a region no stranger to the machinations of Mother Nature's winter, Pittsburgh and its surrounding ridges brace for a cold spell before a thaw promises to bring relief. An ephemeral weekend of frozen conditions opens the door to a potentially milder, more temperate week ahead. Until then, the only advisories in effect are for West Virginian highlands, where ice and snow continue their tenuous waltz across county lines.
