Plummeting temperatures, gusty winds set to smack Pittsburgh region

Western Pennsylvania could see roughly an inch of snow in some places Thursday.

A special weather statement issued early Thursday by the National Weather Service said temperatures have quickly dropped behind a cold front, allowing rain to transition to snow.

A quick coating to near an inch of snow will be possible, the special weather statement said.

“We’re seeing a quick drop in temperatures behind this cold front, rain quickly changing to snow, and expecting a quick half inch to an inch of slushy accumulation for this morning,” said Myranda Fullerton, a meteorologist with the NWS in Moon.

Temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s for many locations through the day, which could lead to roads icing over, the special weather statement said. Drivers were advised to use caution.

The extended forecast for the Pittsburgh area shows a total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible. Wind gusts could be as high as 23 mph. The high will be 35.

“Snow will gradually wind down here through early afternoon or so depending on where you’re located, and then just tapering into snow showers,” Fullerton said. “But then cold temperatures will remain through basically the next couple days.”

Wind chill values at zero or below are expected on Friday, Fullerton said. The high will be 20, according to the extended forecast.

“That cold air, really, is going to be the main story over the next couple days with highs in the teens to 20s. As we head closer to the end of the month, we’re looking at the cold to continue,” Fullerton said.

Madasyn Czebiniak is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Madasyn at 724-226-4702, mczebiniak@tribweb.com, or via Twitter @maddyczebstrib.