Western Pennsylvania Winter Tease: Cold Winds, Flurries, and Early December Freeze Moving In

Post-Thanksgiving travel may get slippery as snow showers and freezing winds sweep across western Pennsylvania.

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Pennsylvania – The first real bite of winter is in the air across western Pennsylvania this morning. Brisk winds sweep across the hills near Pittsburgh, carrying light flurries and a clear signal that the season’s first December chill is arriving. The National Weather Service warns of changing conditions through the weekend as snow, rain, and falling temperatures move through the region.

Friday stays mostly cloudy, with highs near 35°F and a few passing flakes during the morning commute. Saturday brings the best snow chance, with moisture increasing through midday. Some spots around Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties could see a dusting to half an inch, especially north of the city and in higher terrain. By late day, precipitation may transition to light rain as temperatures rise briefly above freezing.

Sunday’s travel window could get messy. A mix of rain and slush may develop by afternoon, especially along I-79, I-376, and I-80, where surface temps hover near freezing. Drivers should watch for slick bridges and reduced visibility, particularly during the evening.

Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook points to a cold and wet pattern stretching from the Midwest into the Northeast between Dec. 2–6, with below-normal temperatures gripping most of Pennsylvania. The early-December setup hints at a winter-like trend lasting well into next week.

5-Day Outlook (Pittsburgh, PA)

  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, high 35°F.
  • Saturday: Chance of snow, high 37°F.
  • Sunday: Rain likely, high 43°F.
  • Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 36°F.
  • Tuesday: Chance of snow, high 38°F.