Pittsburgh, PA – Forecasters are monitoring the potential for a fast-moving line of showers and isolated thunderstorms to develop northwest of the region this evening before sweeping southeast across western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pittsburgh, uncertainty remains regarding storm strength, but the environment may support brief stronger cells between 5 and 7 p.m.
Based on current model guidance, if storms form with greater intensity, the risk of damaging wind gusts and a low-end, non-zero tornadic threat would increase as the line moves southeast from northwest Ohio into Pennsylvania. However, if the storm line develops on the weaker side, severe threats decrease — though not entirely.
Regardless of storm intensity, NWS stresses that wind gusts between 35–45 mph remain likely as the showers move through and immediately afterward. These gusts may cause localized impacts, including blowing around unsecured outdoor items. Residents are encouraged to bring loose objects indoors or secure them ahead of the evening hours.
The projected timing places the convective line near Columbus and Mansfield around 8 p.m., reaching Youngstown, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities between 9 and 10 p.m., before pushing farther southeast late tonight. The timing may shift depending on how the line develops over Ohio early this evening.
NWS urges residents to stay alert to any watches or warnings if issued. Forecasters will monitor storm formation closely through 7 p.m. to refine confidence in storm severity and track.
