Pennsylvania wakes to damp streets, gray skies, and a mild chill that feels misleading.
What looks manageable now could change fast as winter hazards line up later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a developing low-pressure system raises concern for freezing rain on Friday. Forecasters warn that up to one-tenth of an inch of ice is possible across parts of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia.
Temperatures stay above freezing through Christmas, keeping early impacts limited. Light rain may develop at times, and roads remain mostly wet. That changes as colder air slips in Thursday night, dropping surface temperatures toward freezing.
Meteorologists are now tracking a narrow window Friday morning into early afternoon. Rain may fall into subfreezing air, allowing ice to form on roads, bridges, and power lines. Even thin ice can make travel hazardous. Conditions could deteriorate quickly after daybreak.
Drivers should prepare for slick spots, especially on untreated roads and elevated surfaces. Black ice becomes more likely where rain freezes on contact. Slow down and allow extra time if traveling Friday. This setup is particularly concerning for commuters and post-holiday travelers.
By Friday evening, temperatures rise slightly, allowing precipitation to turn back to plain rain. That transition should reduce icing risk, but lingering slick spots may remain. Saturday looks quieter, though clouds persist.
To be fair, this is not a widespread ice storm. Still, timing and temperatures matter. Small changes could increase impacts quickly, especially during peak travel hours.
This pattern fits a larger national picture. Snow continues across the Northeast, while freezing rain threatens parts of the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic. Winter weather is tightening its grip during the final week of December.
5-Day Outlook for Pittsburgh, PA:
- Today: Mostly cloudy, high near 43
- Christmas Day: Chance of rain, high near 47
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, colder, high near 42
- Friday: Rain with freezing rain possible early, high near 42
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 49
