Pittsburgh is starting Labor Day with clear skies and temperatures in the upper 50s, setting up a bright and comfortable holiday. Sunshine will carry the city through the afternoon, with a high near 81 degrees and light northeast winds. Rain is not expected Monday, making it an easy day for parks, patios and last-minute summer plans.
Warm Weather Builds Through Wednesday
Monday night will stay mostly clear, with temperatures falling to around 58 degrees. Tuesday will be mostly sunny and warmer, reaching about 85, while Wednesday climbs to near 87 with stronger southwest winds and increasingly muggy air.
The National Weather Service says heat index values could approach 90 degrees Wednesday afternoon before the pattern turns more unsettled. The Hoodline forecast discusses the same midweek shift, but the latest outlook raises the concern for heavier rain and a wetter Thursday.
Storms Arrive Wednesday Night
Showers could begin after about 8 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a better chance of thunderstorms overnight. The rain chance rises to around 80% Thursday, when Pittsburgh will see a high near 80 and periods of showers and storms.
Some locations could pick up 1 to 1.5 inches of rain during the Wednesday-night-through-Thursday period, with isolated flooding possible near creeks and streams. Residents should keep an eye on changing conditions, especially if traveling during heavier downpours; there are no watches, warnings or advisories posted for the area at this time, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the City of Pittsburgh's Engage PGH site, the city released the final draft of its Stormwater Strategic Plan on May 18, 2022, and encouraged residents to report stormwater issues. City records describe flooding as a public safety concern and say stormwater improvements are intended to address some of those safety concerns, according to Pittsburgh's 2022 Capital Budget. According to a 2021 City of Pittsburgh page, the city has identified areas that are most susceptible to flooding. The National Weather Service Pittsburgh office notes that the remnants of 69 storms have hit the area, with 15 producing record 24-hour rainfall for Pittsburgh.
Clearer Skies Return Friday
Friday should bring a much quieter finish, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 78 degrees. Saturday looks warm and mostly sunny near 82, although a small chance of showers returns Saturday night; Sunday afternoon remains outside the current forecast.
For the holiday itself, the forecast is about as cooperative as Pittsburgh could ask for: sunny, dry and warm without the midweek drama.
