Heavy Rain Forecast for Western Pennsylvania This Weekend
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Western Pennsylvania is bracing for a weekend of heavy rain, with forecasts predicting an additional one to three inches of precipitation through Sunday morning. A warm front lifting northward is expected to bring rain showers starting Friday night into Saturday, with the heaviest downpours anticipated Saturday night into Sunday.
As rainfall accumulates, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Monongalia, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, effective until 8 a.m. Sunday. The Ohio River at Pittsburgh is projected to crest at 22 feet Monday morning, which is high enough to flood access points including the Mon Wharf and Tenth Street Bypass.
The weekend’s first wave of rain began Friday night, with scattered showers continuing overnight. Meteorologists indicate that once the warm front passes north of the region Saturday morning, residents may experience a brief dry spell before a cold front arrives, bringing renewed rainfall Saturday night.
“The bulk of the rain will occur late Saturday into Sunday morning,” said meteorologist Jason Lutz. “The heaviest amounts are likely south of the city along the warm front’s placement.”
On Sunday, rain is expected to escalate throughout the morning, tapering off by afternoon as temperatures drop to the 40s. Residents should brace for potentially challenging weather conditions, as forecasts suggest thunderstorms could develop, though widespread severe weather is not anticipated.
Residents are advised to prepare for the possibility of rising rivers and flooding in low-lying areas. Local riverways like streams and creeks may rise significantly due to the expected rainfall. The severity of flooding will depend on where the heaviest rains fall, particularly across the southern parts of the region.
A couple of inches of rain expected over the weekend brings with it challenges for local transportation. Public works officials urge motorists to exercise caution when traveling during periods of heavy rain.
Looking ahead to the start of next week, conditions are expected to dry out with a chance of isolated showers by Monday evening as temperatures cool down into the 50s. A clipper system is set to clip the region late Monday into Tuesday, with expectations for a few snow showers.
The national weather outlook indicates the potential for another rainy spell as we approach the end of next week. Meteorologists anticipate that April will live up to its reputation of bringing showers.
