Pittsburgh, Pa. – Cleaner air is expected to return to western Pennsylvania tonight as shifting winds push thick wildfire smoke out of the region, but residents will need to turn their attention to a new threat as severe thunderstorms become possible on Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, southwest winds developing ahead of an approaching weather system will steadily move the dense smoke eastward overnight. Forecast smoke guidance shows concentrations decreasing across the Pittsburgh metro, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia by Saturday morning after widespread haze impacted the region throughout Friday.
The improvement comes as smoke from Canadian wildfires is carried away from western Pennsylvania, leading to gradually improving visibility and air quality across Allegheny, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Areas farther east across central Pennsylvania are expected to hold onto higher smoke concentrations longer before conditions begin to improve.
While air quality is expected to recover, forecasters warn the next weather system will bring the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms on Saturday. Damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall and frequent lightning may accompany the strongest storms as they move through the region.
Residents should continue monitoring air quality if they are sensitive to smoke exposure, but also prepare for rapidly changing weather on Saturday. Secure loose outdoor items, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be ready to move indoors if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Additional forecasts and watches may be issued as the storm system approaches.
