As the weather patterns shift and evolve across Pennsylvania, we are in for a mix of stormy conditions and scattered showers. The forecast for the upcoming days includes a nighttime storm potential followed by intermittent showers. The overnight hours carry the potential for thunderstorms, with scattered showers expected throughout Monday.
After a brief respite from rain on Sunday evening, another round of precipitation is anticipated to move in during the night. Thunderstorms are likely to develop late on Sunday and persist into the early hours of Monday. The passage of a cold front is forecasted to take most of Monday to clear Western PA, leading to additional waves of showers, possibly accompanied by afternoon storms east of the city.
Although timing may not be ideal for storm development in the Pittsburgh area, there's still a risk of strong winds and hail. The most probable window for storm activity is anticipated to be between midnight and 6 a.m. on Monday. Behind the front, cooler air will settle in, bringing temperatures more in line with seasonal norms in the 50s and 60s for the majority of the upcoming week.
It is advisable to keep rain gear at the ready as there are several opportunities for showers in the coming days. A chance of showers is expected on Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. Thursday specifically has been highlighted as the wettest day of the work week, with the possibility of day-long shower activity. However, the weather is expected to improve, albeit remaining overcast, just in time for the return of baseball at PNC Park on Friday afternoon. There is a potential for heavy rain over the weekend, with significant rainfall amounts possible on both Saturday and Sunday, prompting Impact Days.
For the immediate forecast, tonight has been designated as an Impact Day with more showers and a storm chance after midnight, with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees. Monday continues as an Impact Day with further rain and the possibility of isolated storms in the afternoon, leading to temperatures dropping to the 40s by late day. Tuesday will be cooler with some sun, offering a high of around 50 degrees and a low of 37 degrees.
Looking ahead, we are alerting the public to the likelihood of storms between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday. The day is expected to begin mostly cloudy and mild, with temperatures ranging in the 50s and 60s. A few showers are projected for the morning, but the bulk of the commute should remain dry. As the day progresses, peeks of sunshine will contribute to temperatures reaching 76 degrees by the afternoon, complemented by a southwesterly breeze of 10-20 mph.
Watch out for an Impact Afternoon and Evening, as the Storm Prediction Center has identified certain counties at a slight risk of severe weather. Residents in Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Adams, and parts of Dauphin and Cumberland Counties should be prepared for possible damaging wind gusts, large hail, and the potential for an isolated weak tornado. Heavy rain is also expected during this period, with rain totals ranging from a few tenths of an inch to up to 1 inch under heavier thunderstorms.
Shower activity is forecasted to subside by midnight as a cold front moves through the region, clearing the sky and introducing colder temperatures around 40 degrees. Tuesday will see sunny skies with highs around 54 degrees as high pressure dominates the region. Wednesday will feature partly sunny skies as a warm front approaches, leading to isolated showers in the northern counties towards evening.
By Thursday, temperatures are expected to rise significantly to 74 degrees, with showers likely as a cold front arrives and stalls. The wet weather pattern is set to continue into Friday, with mild highs in the mid-60s. The weekend is forecasted to remain unsettled with beneficial rain chances persisting as temperatures hover in the upper 50s.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, a substantial portion of Pennsylvania can expect heavy rain on Monday, with some areas already experiencing rain on Sunday night. A "hazardous weather outlook" has been issued for more than three dozen counties, highlighting the potential impacts of the forthcoming precipitation.
As we navigate through the changing weather conditions and plan accordingly, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared for any severe weather developments that may arise. Be sure to follow local weather updates and advisories to ensure your safety and well-being. Remember, it's always better to be proactive and ready for any weather-related challenges that may come our way.