Honestly, if you've lived in Western Pennsylvania long enough, you know the drill. You wake up, look out the window at a sky the color of a wet sidewalk, and wonder if today is the day your car finally decides the battery is over it. Right now, the Pittsburgh 10 day weather forecast is basically telling us to keep the heavy parkas by the front door because things are about to get real chilly.
As of Saturday morning, January 17, we’re sitting at a relatively "balmy" 33°F. I say balmy because, compared to what’s coming on Tuesday, this is practically tropical. But don't let that fool you. With the wind coming out of the southwest at 10 mph, the feels-like temperature is hovering around 25°F.
The immediate fallout: Snow and slush
Today isn't exactly a beach day. We’ve got a high of 35°F, but that’s going to drop off pretty fast. If you're out and about, you've probably noticed it's mostly cloudy with a 35% chance of snow during the day. By tonight, we're looking at a low of 19°F and some lingering snow showers.
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It’s that classic Pittsburgh winter mix—just enough to make the roads slick but not enough to justify a proper sledding day. Local experts like Mary Ours over at KDKA are pointing out that while the snow might taper off for some, the Laurel Highlands and the ridges are still likely to pick up another inch or two.
Why next week is going to be a test of will
Sunday is where the "Arctic revenge" really starts to show its teeth. We’re only hitting a high of 22°F. Sunday night? It drops to 17°F.
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But Tuesday, January 20, is the day everyone is talking about. We're looking at a high of only 15°F and a low of 7°F. Honestly, when it gets into the single digits, it’s not just about being cold; it’s about that biting wind chill that makes your face hurt the second you step outside.
- Monday, Jan 19 (MLK Day): High of 22°F, low of 8°F. Gusts could hit 20 mph.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: The coldest day. High 15°F, low 7°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: A weird little "warm" spike to 35°F with rain and snow, then back down to 14°F at night.
Pittsburgh 10 day weather forecast: The long-range reality
If you were hoping for a quick thaw, I’ve got some bad news. The back half of the 10-day stretch stays pretty consistently in the 20s.
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Thursday through the following Tuesday (Jan 27) shows a lot of "mostly cloudy" and "snow showers." Highs will struggle to get past 24°F, and lows will consistently dip into the single digits or low teens. It’s that relentless gray that defines January in the 412.
Survival tips for the deep freeze
Since we're looking at a prolonged period where the mercury won't even think about touching 40°F, you've gotta be smart.
- Check your pipes: When it hits 7°F on Tuesday night, those exterior walls get dangerous. Keep the cabinet doors open under your sinks.
- Pet safety: If it’s too cold for you, it’s definitely too cold for the dog. Short walks only.
- The car battery dance: If your battery is more than three years old, this week might be its swan song. Give yourself an extra ten minutes in the morning.
Basically, it's a typical January slog. We've got the clouds, we've got the "Pittsburgh Gray," and now we've got the Arctic air. Bundle up, keep the salt handy for the driveway, and maybe start looking at flight prices to Florida.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your antifreeze levels today while it's still in the 30s, and make sure your emergency car kit has a real blanket—not just one of those foil ones. Tuesday’s single-digit lows are no joke for morning commuters.