Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Breezy conditions are expected across the Pittsburgh region Friday as a cold front approaches, bringing gusty winds and unusually mild January temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, winds will increase this morning and continue through the afternoon, with gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour possible at times. The strongest gusts are expected during the late morning and afternoon hours as the front nears the area.
Along with the wind, temperatures are forecast to run well above normal for early January. The National Weather Service highlighted the potential for near-record warmth across western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia. In Pittsburgh, there is a chance of approaching record high temperatures set in past decades, reflecting how anomalously warm the air mass is for this time of year.
Forecast data released by the Weather Service shows varying probabilities of record-breaking temperatures across the region, with some nearby locations having a higher likelihood of reaching or exceeding long-standing January records. While not all areas will break records, temperatures are expected to remain unseasonably mild through Friday.
The approaching cold front will eventually bring cooler air behind it, but ahead of the boundary, mild temperatures and gusty winds will dominate conditions. No precipitation or severe weather threats were highlighted with this update.
The National Weather Service advised residents to secure loose outdoor items that could be blown around by strong wind gusts. High-profile vehicles may experience difficult travel conditions, particularly on exposed roadways and bridges.
Commuters, students, and daytime workers should be prepared for blustery conditions during peak travel hours. While the warmth may feel springlike, the winds could make conditions uncomfortable at times.
Additional updates will be issued by the National Weather Service as the front moves through and temperatures begin to trend back toward more typical January levels.
