Pennsylvania wakes to low clouds and damp pavement as winter presses pause, briefly, before accelerating again. The air feels heavy and gray, but the calm is misleading. Conditions begin changing Sunday, with rain, rising winds, and a sharp turn back toward winter just days before 2026.
According to the National Weather Service, rain becomes widespread Sunday across western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and surrounding counties. Highs climb near 60 degrees, melting leftover snow and soaking roadways during peak travel hours. Visibility drops at times, especially on hills and along river valleys.
For drivers in the Pittsburgh metro, Sunday travel remains manageable early but degrades through the afternoon and evening. Wet roads along I-79, I-376, and Route 28 could slow traffic. Plan extra time if heading out late. Keep headlights on and watch for ponding on ramps.
The bigger impact arrives Monday. A strong system brings gusty winds and falling temperatures. Wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph become likely Monday and Monday night. Rain transitions to snow showers as colder air pours in. Roads may turn slushy, especially in higher elevations west and south of the city.
Monday night temperatures drop into the low 20s. Any leftover moisture freezes quickly, creating black ice risks for early Tuesday travel. Snow showers linger into Tuesday, with highs near 30 and brisk winds keeping wind chills uncomfortable.
Looking ahead, New Year’s Eve on Wednesday stays cold and unsettled. Clouds dominate, and a few snow showers remain possible. Highs hover in the low-to-mid 30s as 2026 approaches, reinforcing a full winter feel.
This system marks a classic late-December pattern shift. Wet roads turn icy fast once cold air returns. Traveling Sunday night or early next week? Share what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Weather Outlook: Pittsburgh, PA
- Sunday: Rain likely; high near 60
- Monday: Breezy with rain changing to snow; high near 55
- Tuesday: Snow showers and wind; high near 29
- Wednesday (New Year’s Eve): Mostly cloudy, cold; high near 34
- New Year’s Day: Mostly cloudy, cold; high near 29
