Pittsburgh, PA – A frosty start greets western Pennsylvania this morning, with low clouds hanging over the Monongahela River and temperatures holding in the mid-20s. But meteorologists say this calm will soon give way to a midweek rain-to-snow transition, potentially creating slippery travel conditions and ushering in the coldest air of December so far.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, rain is expected Tuesday night into Wednesday, with highs briefly reaching the low 40s before a strong cold front sweeps through. That front will turn rain to wet snow Wednesday night, bringing a chance of 1–2 inches of accumulation, mainly on grassy surfaces and elevated roadways. By Thursday, colder air locks in, dropping temperatures into the 20s with wind chills in the teens.
Travelers across I-79, I-376, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike should watch for slick patches and early morning freezing Thursday. Forecasters note that flash freeze conditions could develop as leftover rain quickly turns to ice when temperatures plunge below freezing.
Looking ahead, the wintry pattern continues into the weekend. Snow showers are likely Friday, followed by another reinforcing blast of Arctic air from the upper Midwest. Highs may struggle to climb above 30°F through Sunday, signaling that winter’s grip is tightening across the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes.
Residents are advised to bundle up, clear drains, and salt driveways as temperatures drop sharply midweek.
Five-Day Outlook (Pittsburgh, PA):
- Tuesday: Increasing clouds, high 37°F.
- Wednesday: Rain, high 43°F.
- Thursday: Rain and snow early, cold, high 32°F.
- Friday: Snow likely, high 32°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 29°F.
