Pittsburgh is enjoying a mostly quiet Wednesday before the atmosphere flips the script. On March 25, skies are mostly cloudy with temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s this morning, climbing to a high near 63°F this afternoon. High pressure keeps things largely dry and mild today, but a slow-moving cold front arriving late Thursday is set to shake things up in a hurry. The most significant impacts are expected late Thursday into early Friday, when storms could turn severe and heavy rain may trigger localized flooding.
Thursday Night Into Friday
A line of showers and storms is expected to fire up over the Great Lakes Thursday evening and then push southeast toward Pittsburgh late Thursday night. The main severe window runs from about 10 p.m. Thursday, March 26 to 2 a.m. Friday, March 27, when some storms could pack damaging wind gusts, hail, and even an isolated tornado. Behind that line, heavy rain is forecast to continue into Friday morning, boosting the risk for quick ponding and runoff, according to NWS Pittsburgh.
Rain Totals And Flood Risk
The Weather Prediction Center has placed the region under a Marginal risk for excessive rainfall on Thursday, with widespread totals of 1 to 1.5 inches possible and a narrow corridor from eastern Ohio into western Pennsylvania that could reach around 2 inches. Persistent showers early Friday, March 27, could keep creeks running high and leave standing water on low-lying roads into Saturday morning. Keep an eye on local waterways and steer clear of flooded roads, according to the Weather Prediction Center.
Timing, Winds And Commute
Southwest winds will pick up into Thursday evening at roughly 8 to 15 mph, with stronger gusts possible ahead of the front. After the line of storms passes, winds will swing around to the west and then northwest. The Friday, March 27, morning commute could be the toughest stretch, as heavy rain and gusty winds reduce visibility and contribute to ponding on roads. Plan on giving yourself extra travel time, slow down where water is collecting, and bring in outdoor furniture or any loose items before Thursday night so they are not sent rolling down the block.
How To Prepare
Now is a good time to double-check the basics. Make sure phone weather alerts are enabled, charge small electronics, and keep a flashlight and simple supplies handy in case of temporary outages. If you live near creeks or in a low-lying neighborhood, consider moving vehicles to higher ground and avoid driving through standing water. As conditions change, follow updates from local authorities and the National Weather Service to stay ahead of the storm.
