Pittsburgh is having one of those "identity crisis" weather days. You know the ones. You wake up to a gray, misty morning that feels more like a soggy November day, only to realize by dinner time you'll be digging out the heavy-duty parka and ice scraper.
Basically, if you were wondering what is the weather in pittsburgh today, the short answer is: wet now, white later, and freezing tomorrow.
Right now, we are sitting in a pocket of relatively "warm" air—if you can call low 40s warm—but it’s a trap. A cold front is currently barreling through the Ohio Valley, and it’s going to flip the script on us before the evening commute is over.
The Transition: From Rain to Snow Showers
The morning started out with a steady, light rain that has made the Parkway and the Liberty Tunnels even more of a headache than usual. Temperatures peaked earlier today near 46°F, but they are already on a downward slide.
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Honestly, the real story starts around 5:00 PM. That is when the National Weather Service in Moon Township expects the rain to start mixing with snow. By the time most people are heading home from downtown or Oakland, we’ll be seeing full-blown snow showers.
- Current Temperature: Falling through the low 40s.
- The Big Drop: We are looking at a low of 21°F tonight.
- Winds: Sustained at 10 mph from the southwest, but gusts could get much punchier as the front passes.
This isn't just a light dusting. While the city might only see an inch or two, a Winter Weather Advisory is officially in effect starting at 5:00 PM. If you live in the Laurel Highlands or out toward Westmoreland County, you’re looking at higher totals—potentially 3 to 5 inches.
Why the Ride Home Could Be Tricky
Don’t let the wet pavement fool you. As the sun goes down and that arctic air funnels into the Three Rivers area, those wet roads are going to flash freeze.
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The transition is quick. One minute it's a cold drizzle, the next it’s a "burst" of snow that drops visibility to near zero. Local meteorologists are already warning about slushy accumulations on untreated surfaces. If you’re crossing any of the 446 bridges in this city tonight, take it slow. Bridges freeze first, and with a 25-degree drop expected over the next twelve hours, black ice is a statistical certainty.
Looking Ahead: The Arctic Blast is Real
Once this front clears out, we are stuck in the freezer. Thursday is going to be brutal. We’re talking about a high that barely scrapes 25°F.
If you’re participating in Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, which is running right now through January 18, definitely keep those reservations—the local spots need the love—but maybe opt for the valet or find a garage close to the door. Walking three blocks in a 15-degree wind chill is a different kind of challenge.
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Looking further out, this isn't a one-day fluke. The "Stars and Stripes" pattern (that's what some old-school yinzers call the alternating bands of lake effect snow) is going to keep us in flurries through the weekend. We have more chances for accumulating snow on Friday and Saturday.
Survival Tips for the Next 24 Hours
- Check your tires now. If your tread is low, the slush on the Fort Pitt Bridge is going to feel like a skating rink.
- Drip the pipes. If you live in one of those charming but drafty Victorian houses in Friendship or South Side, tonight is the night to keep the faucets dripping.
- Salt the walk. Do it before the rain turns to snow at 5:00 PM. It creates a brine that prevents the ice from bonding to the concrete.
- Watch the wind chill. By tomorrow morning, it's going to feel like 5°F or lower. Exposed skin can get frostbit faster than you'd think.
Basically, today is the day to run your errands early. Get the milk, get the bread, and get home before the white stuff starts sticking. Pittsburgh winters are legendary for their gray persistence, and it looks like January 2026 is finally living up to the reputation.
Stay warm, keep the lights on, and maybe treat yourself to some hot pierogies while you watch the snow fall from the safety of your couch.
Check your local radar around 4:30 PM to see exactly where the rain-snow line is sitting before you commit to that evening drive.