Western Pennsylvania got a brief taste of sweater weather over the weekend, as the Pittsburgh area slipped into unusually cool overnight temperatures for mid-July before a stormier, more typical pattern started to creep back in on Monday.
Cool Night Breaks Month-Long Stretch
According to WPXI, temperatures fell into the 60s after sunset and dropped into the 50s in some sheltered spots. That marked the coolest readings since June 24, when Pittsburgh International Airport recorded a low of 52 degrees. The station noted that Monday was expected to rebound to more seasonable levels, warm but not sticky, with highs close to typical July values.
Monday's Outlook: Mild With Afternoon Storm Chances
The National Weather Service forecast called for a high in the mid 80s Monday, with showers and thunderstorms likely mainly after 4 p.m. Overnight, lows were expected to settle in the upper 60s. Forecasters pointed to timing as the big wildcard: if an earlier batch of storms weakens, a stronger round could fire up later in the evening.
Severe Risk Lingers Tuesday
The Storm Prediction Center Day 2 outlook raised parts of the Ohio Valley to an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms, highlighting the potential for damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that wildfire smoke over the region has mostly cleared, but warned that the approaching cold front could help trigger some of the strongest storms.
How To Prepare
The National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook urges residents to stay weather-aware as the front approaches. Officials recommend securing loose outdoor furniture, charging phones and other devices, and having a plan to head indoors quickly if warnings are issued. They also advise keeping an eye on local radar and broadcaster updates, and being ready for sudden gusty winds and heavy downpours from Tuesday into Wednesday.
