Pittsburgh Weather: Snow, Arctic Blast & Impact Days This Week

Pittsburgh and the wider western Pennsylvania region are bracing for a continuation of frigid conditions, punctuated by additional snowfall this week. While the most severe cold of the recent Arctic blast is easing, temperatures will remain below freezing for the week ahead, with several opportunities for snow before another, albeit brief, return to intensely cold weather this weekend.

The immediate forecast calls for low temperatures dipping into the single digits both tonight and on Thursday. Daytime highs will struggle to reach above the 20s, with Wednesday expected to see a high of 24°F and Thursday a slightly cooler 23°F. Fortunately, winds are expected to remain relatively light, mitigating the impact of wind chill, though still creating frigid conditions.

A Winter Weather Advisory is currently in effect for Monongalia, Garrett, and Preston counties, lasting until 1 a.m. On Wednesday. These areas are anticipated to receive accumulations of between one and two inches of snow.

Friday is designated as an “Impact Day” due to the potential for more widespread snowfall across western Pennsylvania. A clipper system is expected to bring 1-3 inches of snow, potentially disrupting the afternoon and evening commute. This snowfall will be followed by a renewed, though short-lived, Arctic blast over the weekend.

The weekend forecast indicates a return to significantly colder temperatures, with highs falling into the teens and lows dropping into the single digits. Despite the bitter cold, the weekend is currently not expected to bring additional snowfall. This latest cold snap is anticipated to be brief, with temperatures finally climbing above freezing early next week in the Pittsburgh area.

Looking at specific daily forecasts: overnight will be cloudy and cold with a low of 8°F. Wednesday will be colder with gradual clearing, reaching a high of 24°F and a low of 6°F. Thursday will remain quite cold with increasing cloud cover, with a high of 23°F and a low of 12°F. Friday, the designated Impact Day, will bring snow showers and a high of 30°F, followed by a low of 5°F.

The U.S. Cold index is currently trending flat compared to last year, but is expected to see a significant increase in days with temperatures below 32°F next week, coinciding with the Polar Vortex impact on the Eastern United States.

This fluctuating weather pattern presents challenges for businesses and residents alike. Transportation could be affected by the snow showers, particularly during peak commuting hours. Energy demand is likely to remain elevated as heating systems work to combat the prolonged cold. While the brief respite from the most extreme temperatures is welcome, the continued volatility underscores the need for preparedness.

The current forecast suggests a roller coaster of temperatures, with periods of relative warmth interspersed with renewed cold snaps, and snowfall. The potential for 1-3 inches of snow on Friday warrants caution, particularly for those traveling during the afternoon and evening. The return of Arctic air over the weekend, while short-lived, will serve as a reminder of the ongoing winter conditions.