Pennsylvania starts the morning locked in deep winter cold as clear skies hang over western counties. The air bites hard. Sidewalks crunch. Temperatures sit near 17 degrees, making this one of the coldest December mornings so far in Pittsburgh.
The cold eases quickly as the week progresses. Sunshine today helps temperatures rebound into the mid-30s, offering brief relief from the cold snap. Roads remain dry through the day, keeping travel smooth across Allegheny County.
Warmer air continues building Wednesday. Afternoon highs climb into the low 40s, signaling a clear shift in the pattern. Clouds increase late, setting the stage for changing conditions as moisture moves in from the west.
Attention turns to Thursday, December 18th, when weather conditions deteriorate. According to the National Weather Service, rain develops during the afternoon as temperatures peak near 53 degrees. By evening, colder air pushes back in, forcing a rain-to-snow changeover overnight.
This transition creates a high risk for slick roads, especially on untreated surfaces. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways could see early icing as temperatures drop toward the mid-20s. Drivers should plan extra time Thursday night and early Friday.
Snow lingers into Friday morning, with a 60 percent chance of snow before tapering later in the day. Highs struggle to reach the mid-30s, keeping slushy conditions possible during the commute.
The weekend trends calmer but still wintry. Saturday stays mostly cloudy with highs near 45 degrees. Sunday cools again, with another light snow chance returning late.
Winter is settling in across western Pennsylvania, and conditions may change quickly as systems pass through.
Five-Day Outlook for Pittsburgh, PA
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 42°
- Thursday: Rain developing, high near 53°
- Friday: Snow likely early, high near 34°
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 45°
- Sunday: Chance of snow, high near 41°
