Pennsylvania – Tires hiss on wet pavement as temperatures hover below freezing, a subtle but dangerous setup unfolding across western Pennsylvania. Freezing rain moves in today, coating roads and bridges with a thin glaze just as post-holiday travel picks up.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from this morning through mid-afternoon for the Pittsburgh metro and surrounding counties. Periods of freezing rain are expected, with ice accumulations around a light glaze. Even minor icing can make roads treacherous.
Across Allegheny County, temperatures sit near 29 degrees as precipitation develops. Bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways will ice first. Travel along I-376, I-279, I-79, and Route 28 could become hazardous, especially during steadier precipitation. Side streets and untreated hills may turn slick quickly.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking. Conditions may worsen rapidly after precipitation begins, then improve later as temperatures rise and rain replaces ice. Still, shaded areas could remain slick even after the changeover.
By Saturday, clouds linger with quieter weather, offering a brief break for weekend plans. Attention then shifts to Sunday, when a warmer system brings widespread rain. That rain could be heavy at times, impacting travel again before colder air returns early next week.
Looking ahead to New Year’s week 2026, temperatures fluctuate enough to keep winter hazards in play. Rain may change to snow early next week, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles could reintroduce black ice during early mornings and evenings.
Residents should stay alert for updates, check PennDOT road conditions before traveling, and keep winter safety kits in vehicles. This is a classic late-December setup where small changes create big impacts.
Seeing icy spots on your drive today? Share what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Pittsburgh, PA
Today: Freezing rain early, then rain, highs near 49°F
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, calmer, highs near 42°F
Sunday: Rain likely, mild, highs near 59°F
Monday: Rain then rain/snow, breezy, highs near 56°F
Tuesday: Snow likely, colder, highs near 30°F
