Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Snow is expected to return to the region Friday, with 1 to 3 inches of accumulation forecast for most locations and higher totals of 3 to 6 inches possible in the higher elevations of southwestern Pennsylvania and nearby West Virginia ridges.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, light snow will arrive Friday morning, becoming steadier north of Pittsburgh by late morning and spreading south through early afternoon. Areas south of the city may see steadier snowfall develop later in the day and continue into the evening.
Forecasters note that snow will be light and fluffy, which combined with increasing wind gusts could lead to blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, especially Friday night. Gusty winds may ramp up late Friday evening and persist into Saturday, creating hazardous travel conditions on exposed roadways.
The National Weather Service warns of a potential window for snow squalls between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Friday night, developing on the back edge of the broader snowfall. These squalls could briefly produce intense snowfall rates and near-whiteout conditions, particularly along major routes such as I-79 near Pittsburgh, I-70 near Wheeling, I-376, US-40, and I-68 near Morgantown.
While most locations will remain within the 1–3 inch range, localized higher totals are possible where snow bands persist, especially in ridge-top and southeastern areas. Some localized spots could briefly approach blizzard-like conditions during heavier snow bursts.
Travel impacts are expected to be greatest Friday night, as snow-covered roads and blowing snow coincide with falling temperatures. This setup may affect overnight workers, students, weekend travelers, and early-morning commuters.
Residents are encouraged to closely monitor updated forecasts, use caution when traveling, and allow extra time for trips as winter weather conditions return to the region late Friday.
