Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Drivers across the Pittsburgh region could face slick and hazardous travel conditions beginning Thursday as an active winter pattern brings multiple rounds of accumulating snow, with additional snow chances continuing into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, confidence is increasing that snow will begin as early as late Wednesday evening and continue into Thursday morning across much of western Pennsylvania. While exact totals remain uncertain, even light accumulation could create dangerous conditions during the Thursday morning commute, particularly on untreated roads, bridges, and hills throughout Allegheny County.
The highest confidence for accumulating snow Thursday is near Lake Erie and along the ridges of western Pennsylvania, though Pittsburgh still carries a roughly 30 percent chance of exceeding 2 inches of snow within a 24-hour period. Areas south and east of the city, including Washington and Westmoreland counties, could also see periods of snow depending on how bands develop.
Attention then turns to the weekend, when another system may bring additional accumulating snow from Friday night into Saturday. Forecast models continue to vary on snowfall totals and placement, but forecasters caution that narrow snow bands or lake-enhanced snow could lead to locally higher amounts. Wind chills are also expected to drop near or below zero at times Friday morning and again Sunday morning, increasing the risk of icy conditions.
PennDOT urges motorists to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra travel time, noting that even a dusting of snow can sharply reduce traction. Residents are advised to monitor updates closely, charge devices ahead of time, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Winter weather advisories or warnings may be issued as confidence increases. Officials stress that impacts, not just totals, will determine travel conditions through the end of the week.
