Wednesday, May 13, 2026, started gray and cool in Pittsburgh, with about 54°F on the thermometer and a southwest breeze already stirring things up. Steady showers are expected to ease by late morning, but the headline act is still on the way: a line of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon that could deliver gusty winds and brief, heavy downpours.
Afternoon Thunderstorm Threat
Rain is likely before 11 a.m., followed by a slight chance of thunderstorms from 11 a.m. to noon. The better shot at showers and thunderstorms runs from noon to about 5 p.m., with highs near 69°F. Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh say the main concern is damaging wind in any organized line segments, with a marginal severe window around 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. that slightly favors areas southeast of the city.
Timing And Commute Impacts
Stronger cells this afternoon could drop a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain in quick bursts and bring southwest winds of 10 to 16 mph, with gusts up to about 26 mph. That combination can make roads slick and visibility lousy just in time for school pickups and evening rush hour. Plan on slower travel on major routes and bridges, give yourself extra time, and keep rain gear handy for anything outdoors. If you run into standing water on the road, turn around and find another way, and do not try to drive through it.
Tonight Into Thursday
Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms may linger into Wednesday night, with lows around 46°F and a northwest wind of 6 to 14 mph. Thursday, May 14, 2026, looks noticeably cooler, with a high near 58°F and gusty northwest winds. Skies should start to clear Thursday night, with lows settling in the mid 40s.
Late Week Warm Up
After Thursday's cool spell, the pattern flips quickly. By Saturday, May 16, 2026, temperatures could climb to about 83°F, with Sunday near 88°F. A stronger warm stretch may then push highs toward the mid 90s by Monday and Tuesday, May 18 to 19, 2026. That level of heat has prompted cooling center activations in previous years, so anyone sensitive to high temperatures may want to think ahead. For background on recent stormy swings, see our soggy sunrise to storm threat coverage.
How To Plan
Keep an umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket within reach this morning, secure any loose patio furniture, and consider shifting outdoor events away from the noon to 6 p.m. window. Stay tuned to local alerts and weather apps for quick storm or severe weather updates, and make sure you have an indoor fallback plan if gusty thunderstorms roll through.
Forecasts will continue to track the frontal passage and the incoming warm spell. Check the National Weather Service and local alert systems for the latest watches and warnings through this afternoon and into next week.
