Fog and mist greeted the Pittsburgh area Monday morning, with temperatures around 72 degrees and a sticky south wind already blowing near 17 mph. The calm-looking start is misleading: showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more active around midday, with heavy rain and gusty winds possible through the afternoon.
Storms Build Around Midday
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop between 8 a.m. and noon Monday before becoming more likely from noon to 2 p.m. The high should reach about 86 degrees, with southwest winds of 6 to 13 mph and a roughly 80% chance of rain.
Some storms could bring damaging wind gusts, brief downpours and, in isolated cases, hail or a tornado. The forecast also warns that repeated thunderstorms could create localized flash-flooding problems, especially where several rounds of rain pass over already-wet ground. Rainfall totals of a quarter-inch to a half-inch are possible Monday, with heavier pockets likely in stronger storms.
More Rain Tuesday And Wednesday
The unsettled pattern does not stop Monday night. Showers and thunderstorms remain likely Tuesday, including rain before late morning and additional storm chances through the afternoon, with a high near 84 degrees and a 70% chance of precipitation.
Tuesday night looks particularly wet, with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms and another quarter-inch to half-inch of rain possible. Wednesday stays warm near 84 degrees, but showers and thunderstorms remain likely, with a 60% rain chance and the possibility of another round of heavy weather.
Weather Gradually Calms Late Week
Storm chances begin to ease Thursday, though a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms remains, along with a high near 84 degrees. Friday looks more manageable, with partly sunny skies, a high near 81 and only a slight chance of an early shower.
The weekend should be warmer and quieter overall, with highs near 82 Saturday and 83 Sunday. A few showers remain possible both days, and Sunday could bring another chance of afternoon thunderstorms, so outdoor plans may still benefit from a little flexibility.
