Honestly, if you’ve lived in Pittsburgh for more than a week, you know the drill. One minute you’re looking for your sunglasses, and the next, you’re wondering where you stashed the heavy-duty ice scraper. Today, January 17, 2026, is basically a classic Steel City winter day—gray, a bit bitey, and keeping everyone on their toes.
It’s currently 32°F outside. That’s freezing, literally. But because the universe likes to keep things interesting, it actually feels like 28°F.
That four-degree gap might not sound like much on paper, but when you’re standing at a bus stop on Liberty Avenue or walking the dog in Highland Park, you definitely feel it. The humidity is sitting at a thick 94%, which gives the air that damp, "gets-into-your-bones" chill that Pittsburgh is famous for. If you’re heading out, this is not the day for a light jacket. You want the layers. You want the scarf.
What is the weather today in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania: The Hour-by-Hour Reality
We are currently seeing light to moderate snow.
There’s an 89% chance of precipitation right now, so if you look out the window and see flakes, don't be surprised. It’s a very "nighttime in January" vibe. The wind is coming out of the south at a gentle 4 mph, which is probably the only reason the "feels like" temperature isn't even lower.
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But things are going to shift as the day progresses.
For the rest of Saturday, the high is expected to climb to 37°F. That’s just enough of a bump to turn some of that morning slush into a mess. Later tonight, the temperature is going to tank down to 20°F. That’s a 17-degree drop. When that happens, anything that melted during the day is going to turn into a skating rink.
- Sky conditions: Cloudy all day. Don't expect to see much of the sun.
- Wind shift: Later today, the wind picks up. We're looking at 13 mph gusts coming from the southwest.
- Precipitation chances: The chance of snow drops to about 20% for both the day and night portions of Saturday.
Basically, the heavy lifting for the snow is happening early. The rest of the day is just going to be cold and overcast.
Why does Pittsburgh weather feel so erratic?
You've probably heard people blame the three rivers, but there's a lot of geography at play here. We’re tucked into the Appalachian Plateau. Moisture comes up from the Gulf, hits the colder air from Canada, and then the hills of Western PA just sort of trap everything.
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This weekend is a perfect example of that "transition" weather. According to the National Weather Service, we're stuck in a pattern where fast-moving disturbances are rolling through. It’s not a massive blizzard—more like a series of annoying snowy hiccups. KDKA’s weather center has been tracking these "clipper" systems that bring a couple of inches here and there rather than a foot all at once.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Weekend
If you think today is cold, just wait.
Monday and Tuesday are looking pretty brutal. We’re talking about a fresh surge of Arctic air. Highs in the teens. Lows in the single digits.
Compared to that, today’s 32 degrees feels almost balmy. Sorta.
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The humidity today is the real kicker. At 80% average humidity for the day, the air is saturated. Even if it stops snowing, it’s going to feel "heavy." It’s the kind of weather that makes your hair go crazy and makes your car take forever to defrost.
Survival Tips for Today
- Watch the bridges: You know how the signs say "Bridge freezes before road"? They aren't kidding. With the temperature hovering right at 32°F, the 40th Street Bridge or the West End Bridge will be significantly slicker than the side streets.
- Salt now, not later: If you’ve got a sidewalk to clear, do it before the sun goes down. Once we hit that 20°F low tonight, any leftover moisture is staying there until Monday.
- Check your tires: Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low air" light came on this morning, it’s not a glitch—it’s just January.
Pittsburgh is a tough city. We handle the gray better than most. But even the heartiest Yinzer needs to keep an eye on the thermometer today. It’s a day for Primanti’s chili or a hot coffee while you watch the clouds roll over Mt. Washington.
Stay warm, keep the de-icer handy, and maybe just stay off the hills if you don't have all-wheel drive.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your vehicle's antifreeze levels and tire pressure this morning before the temperature drops further tonight. If you have elderly neighbors, a quick check to see if their walkways are salted before the evening freeze is a high-value move today.