Pittsburgh woke up to mostly clear skies and unseasonably warm air around 66°F at first light, with a southerly breeze set to push temperatures close to 80°F on Friday, April 3. The quiet start is not expected to last. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely to fire up during the afternoon commute, which could mean sudden downpours, gusty winds, and brief pockets of heavy rain capable of slowing traffic or causing spotty street flooding.
Afternoon Showers And Gusty Winds
Forecasters call for a chance of rain showers before 2 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with southwest winds around 10 to 16 mph and a 70% chance of precipitation. Most storms should be on the brief side, but there is a marginal risk for severe storms that could produce damaging wind gusts. Training cells may set up in narrow bands, leading to locally heavier totals, especially from the I‑80 corridor south toward the Pennsylvania Turnpike, according to the National Weather Service.
Tonight Into Saturday Night
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to linger into tonight, with a low near 63°F and new rainfall amounts of roughly a quarter to a half inch possible in spots. Saturday is on track to jump into the low to mid 80s before a stronger cold front arrives late Saturday into Saturday night. That front will bring more widespread thunderstorms and an elevated severe threat, with gusts possible into the 20s and a continued chance for heavier rain Saturday night.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor plans or afternoon errands, secure loose items, keep an umbrella handy, and build in some extra time for travel in case showers slow things down. Avoid driving through flooded streets, and if you rely on transit, check for service alerts and the latest updates from forecasters before you head out.
The pattern should turn cooler and less active early next week, with a chance of light rain or a brief wintry mix in spots Monday to Tuesday before temperatures rebound by midweek. This forecast will be updated if any watches or warnings are issued.
