Today is expected to mirror the conditions of yesterday, predominantly featuring dry weather throughout the day, with storm activity likely to ramp up in the afternoon.
According to predictions, storms may arise from “outflow boundaries,” which serve as atmospheric ripples that can elevate conditionally stable air enough to initiate storm development. The process occurs when warm, humid air becomes buoyant and rises. Sometimes, this buoyant air is constrained at the surface by a layer of stable atmosphere, and the outflow boundaries provide the necessary lift to breach this layer, subsequently leading to storm formation. Under the right conditions, this can result in severe weather and significant downpours.
In western Pennsylvania, there is a risk of excessive rain, particularly for the morning and early afternoon hours, which could keep today’s highs in the 80s rather than climbing into the 90s. Morning temperatures are expected to linger in the low 70s, marking the sixth consecutive day of temperatures remaining above 70 degrees in Pittsburgh.
As of noon, temperatures are predicted to reach the mid-80s, accompanied by light southern winds. Looking ahead, additional rain is anticipated on Saturday, although current models forecast less precipitation and fewer storms compared to today. Historically, the weather models have downplayed the instability in previous forecasts, only to adjust closer to the actual weather conditions closer to the event.
Saturday carries a level one out of four risk of flash flooding, which may be reconsidered based on the outcomes of today’s rainfall. Late Saturday or early Sunday morning, temperatures are projected to dip below 70 degrees, with highs on Sunday potentially reaching the upper 80s. Another round of rain and storms is expected on Monday, with temperatures in the mid-80s.
While the forecast indicates lower rain chances for Tuesday through Thursday with highs remaining in the mid-80s, it allows for possibilities of drier conditions in the coming days. For continuous updates regarding the weather, residents are advised to utilize the KDKA Mobile App.