Chilly temps, snow dust Pittsburgh area but warmer weather ahead

Halloween may be a week and-a-half away but it’s beginning to look like Christmas in the area.

Snow was falling in places north of Pittsburgh Wednesday morning and temperatures were as much as 15 degrees below normal, with wind chills in the 20s according to the National Weather Service.

A burst of snow was moving through parts of Armstrong and Butler counties, with near whiteout conditions reported in Butler on Wednesday morning, leaving slushy snow covered roads and reduced visibility in those areas. Light snow was reported in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties leaving wet roadways.

Road surface temperatures were at or below freezing and drivers are being advised to reduce speeds and use caution on bridges and overpasses.

According to Michael Brown, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Moon, there was no measurable snow accumulation at the Pittsburgh airport.

“We’ve had some snow showers and there was some very light snow sticking to the ground. However, I wouldn’t call any of that measurable. That’s pretty much the case for anywhere in Allegheny County or south” said Brown who added the same goes for Westmoreland County.

“As we go further north from the New Castle area up to the Sharon, Pa. area, from that area through Butler they are getting some snow showers and light accumulation, based on pictures from social media as well as the 511 PA traffic cam,” Brown said.

It's snowing here at our office in Moon Township! At 33F it's having a difficult time accumulating. There is some minor stickage to elevated surfaces such as this bench. Have you received any snow? #PAwx #OHwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/xR7sST6Eeo

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) October 19, 2022

He called it lake effect snow.

“We have a very strong low pressure system across the Great Lakes region that’s pulling down some very cold air from Canada. If this was December we’d probably be seeing some decent snow showers out of this. However, given it’s mid-October, it’s still relatively warm. Our temperatures are just above freezing so we’re not really seeing any major snow accumulation,” Brown said.

The area narrowly missed setting a record. The earliest recorded measurable snow fall for the area was October 18.

Meanwhile, Brown said we’re in for a dramatic change with warmer weather headed our way.

“If you’re a fan of warmer weather, it’s going to be a beautiful weekend. For the Pittsburgh metro area on Saturday and Sunday, we’re looking for highs in the upper 60s and maybe even the low 70s with sunshine,” Brown said. He expects the warmer weather to stick around until at least early next week.

“Winter came by and said ‘Hi’ and just like that it’s probably going to go away.”