Pennsylvania – The holiday rush kicks off under gray skies and gusty winds across western Pennsylvania as a powerful cold front moves through the region. Temperatures, currently in the mid-50s, will fall steadily through the day as rain gives way to blustery, colder air.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, this system could bring wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, making travel on elevated roadways like I-79 and I-376 challenging for high-profile vehicles. Showers will taper by midday, but the wind will remain strong behind the front, keeping temperatures near 40°F by late afternoon. Travelers are advised to secure outdoor decorations, drive cautiously in gusty crosswinds, and prepare for rapid cooling conditions into the evening.
Thanksgiving Day itself looks much calmer but brisk. Highs will hover near 36°F under partly cloudy skies, and gusts may still top 25 mph. Early Thursday morning could feel biting for those attending outdoor events or parades, but conditions improve through the day.
By Thursday night, the cold air deepens further, and scattered snow showers could develop across higher elevations and the Laurel Highlands. Friday stays chilly, with highs near 36°F and flurries possible north and east of Pittsburgh—a brief “winter tease” before quieter weather this weekend.
Looking ahead, forecasters are monitoring a major Arctic front expected to sweep across the northern U.S. around December 1. This pattern could bring heavy snow to the Great Lakes and Midwest, with a blast of cold air potentially reaching Pennsylvania soon after.
Five-Day Outlook (Wed–Sun)
• Today: Rain, windy, high 55°F falling to 40°F.
• Thursday: Partly cloudy, 36°F.
• Friday: Breezy, snow showers, 36°F.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, 36°F.
• Sunday: Cloudy, 39°F.
