Pittsburgh weather on Thursday brings two waves of rain and storms, with the strongest severe-weather concern tied to the early afternoon period east of the Laurel Highlands. The Storm Prediction Center put the chance of a point within 30 miles seeing large hail or damaging wind at around 5 percent.
The first wave was expected before the busiest part of the morning rush. The second wave was expected during the early afternoon, when severe weather chances were highest if storms formed. People in communities east of the Laurel Highlands faced the main risk, while the tornado risk was lower than 1 percent in the same area.
Storm Prediction Center Thursday risk
Wind was the main concern in the afternoon window, and hail could not be ruled out along with a brief spin-up. Model data, though, showed little to no rain or storms during that early afternoon period even as the severe-weather window was aimed there.
That leaves the forecast split between timing and coverage: the strongest risk was centered on a period when storms may not fully develop. The peak storm coverage was forecast around 40 percent before 8 a.m., then the day was expected to quiet down for a time before the later wave.
Thursday in Pittsburgh
Temperatures on Thursday were forecast to reach the low 80s after morning lows dipped into the mid 60s. Dew points were expected to rise to around 66° Fahrenheit in the afternoon, enough to keep the air humid while storms tried to organize.
For people planning travel or outdoor time, the most practical change is the timing. The morning commute faced the first rain wave, and the afternoon carried the sharper wind-and-hail risk east of the Laurel Highlands.
Friday and Saturday
Friday brings only an isolated 30 percent rain chance, and Friday and Saturday were forecast to stay in the low 80s with dry, pleasant conditions. Sunday was projected to reach the mid-80s, and humidity over the weekend was expected to stay moderate to low.
Next week turns warmer, with highs in the mid to upper 80s and Tuesday and Thursday reaching 88 degrees. The brief Thursday storm threat gives way quickly, but the hotter stretch could matter more for anyone trying to plan around outdoor work or travel.
