Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Isolated thunderstorms could interrupt outdoor plans across western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio this afternoon, with a few storms capable of producing gusty winds as temperatures climb into the lower and middle 80s.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, partly cloudy skies will dominate much of the day before isolated showers and thunderstorms develop, primarily north and west of Pittsburgh. High temperatures will range from the lower 80s to the mid-80s, including around 86 degrees in Pittsburgh, 85 degrees in New Castle, 85 degrees in Washington, 83 degrees in Butler, and 82 degrees in Indiana, Pennsylvania.
The greatest potential for severe weather will be across eastern Ohio, mainly along and west of Interstate 77, where the Storm Prediction Center has outlined a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms. The primary hazard will be damaging wind gusts, with the strongest storms expected between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Communities including Zanesville, Cambridge and New Philadelphia, Ohio, have the highest chance of experiencing stronger storms capable of downing small tree limbs and causing isolated power outages. While severe weather is considered unlikely across the Pittsburgh metro, brief heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds are still possible with any thunderstorm that develops.
Residents planning outdoor activities should monitor weather updates throughout the afternoon and have multiple ways to receive warnings. If thunder is heard, move indoors immediately and avoid open areas until storms pass.
The isolated storm threat is expected to diminish after sunset, though additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms could return to the region early this week.
