Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A noticeable January warm-up is set to spread across western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia from Thursday through Saturday, pushing temperatures well above seasonal averages despite persistent cloud cover.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the temperature rise will be driven by strong warm air advection, with southwesterly winds transporting mild air northward from the Gulf Coast. Highs are expected to reach the upper 50s and lower 60s across much of the region, a sharp contrast to typical early January conditions.
While temperatures climb, sunshine will be scarce. Forecast guidance shows widespread cloud cover holding firm from Thursday morning through Saturday evening, with many locations remaining under 70 to 90 percent cloudiness for extended periods. Cities including Pittsburgh, Morgantown, Wheeling, Zanesville, and Latrobe are likely to see mostly gray skies throughout the warm spell.
The mild air may accelerate snowmelt in areas that still have lingering snowpack, especially in higher terrain and shaded valleys. Combined with recent rainfall, residents should monitor creeks and poor-drainage areas, even though no widespread flooding is currently expected.
Drivers may also notice breezy conditions at times as the southwesterly flow strengthens, particularly Friday into Saturday. Outdoor plans can proceed with lighter winter gear, but damp ground and limited visibility under low clouds may persist.
Temperatures are expected to trend closer to seasonal levels after the weekend, with additional updates possible if conditions shift.
