Clouds are hanging over Pittsburgh this morning with temperatures near 32°F and northwest gusts already sneaking into the 20 mph range. The real show, though, arrives Friday, when forecasters say winds will crank up enough to rattle commutes and send any loose backyard gear on a short road trip.
What To Expect Friday
The National Weather Service has put a Wind Advisory in place from 8 a.m. Friday, March 13, through 12 a.m. Saturday, March 14. Forecasters are calling for southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts in exposed spots topping out around 45 to 50 mph. That is strong enough to snap weak branches and trigger scattered power outages. Temperatures should reach the mid-50s on Friday, but the wind will steal the spotlight through the afternoon and evening, according to NWS Pittsburgh.
Timing And Local Impacts
Gusts are expected to peak Friday afternoon into early evening, turning bridges, exposed ramps, and riverfront drives into especially blustery stretches. High-profile vehicles will really feel the crosswind. It is a good night to tie down or bring in patio furniture, trash cans and plant pots, and to leave a little extra room on the road when driving near tree-lined streets. If you run into downed power lines or large debris, contact your utility and report hazards to local authorities. If it is safe, you can also share what you are seeing with NWS Pittsburgh on social media.
Weekend Outlook
Winds back off on Saturday, with partly sunny skies and a high near 50°F. Sunday looks milder with a shot at rain and highs in the upper 60s, before a cooler, more unsettled pattern rolls in early next week, bringing showers and a chance of a rain-snow mix Monday night. We broke down the earlier round of thunder, gusts, and that sloppy commute in our stormy Wednesday recap.
