Pittsburgh, PA – Gardeners across Western Pennsylvania should finish covering sensitive plants immediately as a Freeze Warning remains in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday. With temperatures bottoming out between 25 and 30 degrees across the region, a hard frost is likely to impact newly planted spring flowers and early-season crops. The bite in the air is sharp this morning at Allegheny County Airport, but a rapid afternoon recovery will push temperatures toward a much milder high of 68 degrees under full sunshine.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, sub-freezing conditions are widespread, stretching into East Central Ohio and Northern West Virginia. Forecasters indicate that while today remains dry, a quick-moving system will bring a 60 percent chance of rain and isolated thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Wednesday. This moisture could create slick conditions on I-376 and the Liberty Bridge just as the Wednesday morning rush hour begins, though total rainfall is expected to stay under a tenth of an inch.
The midweek dampness is merely a speed bump before a significant warm-up takes hold of the Ohio Valley. Thursday looks to be the standout day of the week, with clear skies and a high soaring to 79 degrees. It is a massive swing from this morning’s freeze, so residents should be prepared to swap heavy coats for short sleeves within 48 hours. Winds will remain light and variable, making for a very comfortable transition into late-week warmth.
Rain chances return by Friday night and into Saturday, with a 70 percent chance of showers likely to dampen weekend plans. For now, the priority is protecting landscaping from the immediate freeze before the 9 a.m. expiration and prepping for a potentially wet commute on Wednesday morning.
Five Day Forecast for Pittsburgh, PA
- Tuesday: Sunny, High 68
- Wednesday: Showers Likely, High 71
- Thursday: Sunny, High 79
- Friday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers, High 80
- Saturday: Showers Likely, High 70
