Rain greeted much of the Pittsburgh area early Wednesday, with temperatures parked in the mid 50s and a soggy feel to the morning commute. Off and on, scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms are expected to linger through the day. Most neighborhoods, though, should only pick up light rainfall totals and may even snag a peek of sunshine this afternoon. West winds around 7 to 10 mph will keep things feeling a bit breezy without turning the day into a wind event.
Afternoon And Week Ahead
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely from the morning into the afternoon, with an estimated 80% chance of precipitation and a daytime high near 74°F. For most spots, new rainfall amounts are expected to stay under a tenth of an inch. Skies should turn mostly clear tonight, with temperatures dropping to around 50°F.
By Thursday, the warmup begins in earnest, with readings climbing into the upper 70s. Friday looks even toastier, pushing into the low 80s, along with a renewed chance for afternoon storms. A more organized system is expected to move in Friday night into Saturday, bringing a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms to kick off the weekend. For the full forecast and ongoing updates, check the National Weather Service.
What To Expect For The Commute
Any heavier burst of rain in a storm could briefly knock down visibility and turn bridges and ramps slick, so it is worth building in a little extra time if you are driving. The risk of widespread damaging winds in Allegheny County is low, although a stronger isolated cell could still whip up a few brief gusts.
If you are planning to be outside, your best bet is to lean on the quieter windows in the morning or later in the evening, when conditions are more likely to cooperate between passing showers.
Heat And Local Resources
With temperatures trending warmer later in the week, people who are sensitive to heat should plan, keep water handy, and know where to cool off if the higher readings on Friday pan out. Residents can call 211 or check local listings for cooling center locations.
Allegheny County maintains Code Red guidance and posts details on cooling center locations and activations online, which may prove useful if the warmer pattern holds, according to Allegheny County. Before heading out, residents are encouraged to check county and National Weather Service pages for the latest updates.
