Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – As Pittsburgh celebrates Independence Day under clear skies and seasonable temperatures, the city’s weather history tells a far more extreme story. On July 4, 1911, Pittsburgh scorched under a daytime high of 100°F — the hottest Independence Day on record.
According to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh office, the coldest Fourth came in 1968, when overnight temperatures dipped to a brisk 46°F. Rainfall history is also notable: in 1878, 2.80 inches of rain fell, making it the city’s wettest July 4th. And in 2012, Pittsburgh even recorded a trace of hail — the only known instance of Independence Day ice.
This year, though, residents can expect what meteorologists are calling “exceedingly normal” weather. Temperatures are peaking at 85°F with a comfortable low of 63°F tonight and no precipitation expected. That makes for ideal conditions for fireworks, cookouts, and outdoor events across Allegheny County and beyond.
Still, officials remind residents to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and never leave pets or children in parked vehicles.
No weather alerts are in effect for western Pennsylvania, and skies are expected to remain clear through the holiday weekend.
