Pittsburgh

Thunderstorms Set Stage For Sweltering Week In Pittsburgh

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Published on June 25, 2026
Thunderstorms Set Stage For Sweltering Week In PittsburghSource: High Contrast, CC BY 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons

Pittsburgh is easing into Thursday, June 25, with partly cloudy skies, temperatures around 60°F, and a light southeast breeze. It will not stay that gentle for long. Highs are expected to climb near 84°F today, and scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely to bubble up during the afternoon and spread into the evening. Stronger cells could bring brief heavy downpours and gusty winds, so if your plans stretch past lunchtime, it is worth having a backup spot indoors and an umbrella for the ride home.

Afternoon Into Evening: Timing And Threats

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop by mid-afternoon today, with the main window for storms running roughly from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. A few stronger storms could produce gusty, erratic winds and small hail, although forecasters are not expecting a widespread severe outbreak. Most spots are projected to pick up relatively light rainfall totals, with the official forecast keeping new amounts under about a tenth of an inch in many locations. Still, brief heavy bursts can quickly slick up roads and sidewalks. These timing and impact details are from the National Weather Service.

Friday–Saturday: Slow-Moving Boundary And Flooding Risk

A stalled boundary will linger over the region Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, keeping showers and thunderstorms in the forecast, especially for communities south of US-422. Periods of training storms, where cells repeatedly move over the same areas, may lead to localized heavier totals. Forecast guidance highlights Friday night, June 26, for new rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half inch in some locations. Drivers and event organizers should be ready for ponding on roads, soggy fields, and the possibility of delays if storms line up over the same corridor.

Next Week: Heat And Humidity Return

By early next week, the pattern flips from stormy to steamy. High temperatures are expected to reach near 92°F on Monday, June 29, around 96°F on Tuesday, June 30, and the upper 90s by Wednesday, July 1. Humidity will tack on extra discomfort, making it feel even hotter on the streets and in unairconditioned homes. Vulnerable residents are encouraged to plan ahead. Allegheny County posts information on cooling centers and has activated Code Red heat advisories during recent extreme heat episodes.

What To Do Today

If you are heading out this afternoon, stash electronics and other gear where a surprise downpour will not soak them, and secure loose patio furniture before storms roll in. Drivers should slow down when rain hits, watch for brief drops in visibility, and remember that lightning and sudden gusty winds can make travel hazardous in a hurry. Before you leave home, check the latest local forecast and keep an eye out for any advisories from city or county officials as storms and, later, the heat wave move through.