Pittsburgh is waking up to clear skies and mild air early Saturday, with temperatures already in the low 60s at local observation sites. The National Weather Service is calling for a high near 78°F this afternoon, about 30 degrees above what early March usually delivers. That unseasonable warmth will help fuel showers and thunderstorms later today, with the main window for stronger storms between about 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, when gusty winds, brief heavy downpours, and even an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
What To Expect This Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of a cold front and grow more widespread through the afternoon and evening, with storm chances peaking this evening. Forecasters put the chance of precipitation around 90% during the prime window, with most spots picking up roughly a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain, and some thunderstorm tracks capable of dropping 0.4 to 0.75 inches and producing gusts up to 30 mph. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region in a Slight Risk category for severe thunderstorms, meaning scattered damaging winds and a few reports of hail or a brief tornado are on the table. According to the National Weather Service, this remains the primary forecast for both timing and impacts.
Evening Commute And Safety Tips
The evening commute looks like the roughest stretch. Drivers should be ready for sudden downpours, poor visibility on bridges and river ramps, and gusty crosswinds between about 4 and 8 p.m. Before storms move in, secure outdoor furniture and loose items, and avoid standing under trees once the weather turns. If lightning or damaging winds develop, head indoors and stay away from windows. Anyone with outdoor plans Saturday night should have an indoor backup ready and keep phone alerts turned on for any watches or warnings that might be issued.
Sunday Through Midweek
Sunday and Monday are expected to be quiet, with sunshine returning and highs in the low 60s to around 70°F, providing a short break from the unsettled pattern. Rain and a chance of thunderstorms return Tuesday into Wednesday, followed by a colder shift Wednesday night that could bring a mix of rain and snow and lows in the mid-30s. For more background on this morning’s fog and the early warm-up, see our coverage of this morning's soup-thick fog.
