Snow is expected to blanket the Pittsburgh area as a strong cold front sweeps in, raising questions about the total accumulation by Thursday evening. The KDKA Weather Center has provided insights on the anticipated snowfall timeline and amounts for the region.
Snowfall is set to commence by 10 p.m. on Wednesday when the cold front hits the Interstate 79 corridor and the metro area. Accompanying the snow will be a significant drop in temperatures, leading to a potential flash freeze on untreated roads. As temperatures plummet, the heaviest snowfall is anticipated to migrate to the northwest and northern counties after midnight, with lake-effect snow showers and terrain-enhanced precipitation likely continuing through Thursday afternoon and evening.
In terms of accumulations, residents in the Pittsburgh metro area can expect between 1 to 2 inches of snow by Thursday evening. Areas north of Route 422 to Interstate 80 in the Laurel Highlands could see accumulations ranging from 2 to 4 inches, while regions from Washington southwest into northern West Virginia are predicted to receive less than an inch. Notably, some northern counties may experience higher totals of 4 to 6 inches due to lake-effect snow and elevated terrain in the Laurel Highlands.
While a brief break in the snow is predicted Thursday night into Friday morning, additional snow showers are set to return Friday afternoon and evening, particularly affecting the northern parts of the area. Further disturbances over the weekend are expected to bring light snow accumulations, though these systems will move swiftly through the region.
Looking ahead to next week, a wave of Arctic air will usher in cold temperatures, with highs remaining in the teens and lows dipping into the single digits on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. This cold snap is a reminder of winter’s grip on the region, offering potential opportunities for winter activities as the snow accumulates and the temperatures drop.