Thanksgiving weather in Western Pennsylvania expected to be cold, windy

This week’s weather forecast calls for a windy, but snow-free Thanksgiving.

WTAE meteorologist Jill Szwed said rain is expected through Tuesday evening until mid-day Wednesday before drying up.

According to Jason Frazier, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, temperatures on turkey day are expected to reach a high of 34 degrees with wind gusts reaching between 20 and 30 miles per hour at times throughout the day.

“For the western Pennsylvania area and Allegheny County, we’re looking at a cold Thanksgiving Day,” he said.

Frazier added that wind chills throughout the day will likely struggle to reach 30 degrees, and will generally stay around the low to mid-20s.

“Generally the expectation is for it to be dry with any potential snow chances staying farther north or or the I-80 corridor,” Frazier said.

He said a snow band is expected to form off of Lake Erie, but it’s expected to stay “well north” of the Pittsburgh area.

“Really it’s going to be cloudy, gray, cold and maybe a good day to be inside with family and enjoying that time with those that we love,” Frazier said.

What does this mean for travelers?

“Tuesday will be most impacted pre-Thanksgiving travel day,” Szwed said in an email.

Rain remains steady through the afternoon, meaning wet roads and reduced visibility for drivers. Showers will be light and scattered through lunchtime Wednesday.

Frazier said despite the low temperatures, a dry forecast is a good outlook for those driving to spend the holiday with family.

Dry trends will begin Wednesday night and continue through the week.

“We’re not expecting roads to be wet to where anything could freeze,” he said.

Fraizer said high trailers travelling on north and south roads may feel the brunt of the high winds coming in from the west.

“Even with these wind speeds, you’ll feel a little nudge but we do not really see impacts from it,” Frazier said.

People traveling home after the holidays are expected to see similar conditions.

The low temperatures and cold wind-chill values are expected to last into Friday. Frazier said there is a chance a small snow flurry could fall on Friday afternoon in the area.

“It’s really not until Sunday that we start to get our high temperature back into the 40s,” Frazier said.

Frazier and Szwed warned of possible snow flurries that could be taken over by rain on Sunday.

“The storm track is still a question mark, but there is the potential for western Pennsylvania to see a short period of snow before rain takes over on Sunday,” Szwed said.

What does this mean for Turkey Trotters?

For the active folks who intend to spend their holiday morning participating in various Turkey Trots throughout different communities, Frazier warns to bundle up before heading out.

“During the morning, we’re looking at wind-chill values that are going to be in the teens,” Frazier said. “There will still be some winds that can cut through that clothing, so you’re going to want to have layers.”

He also recommended gloves and hats for participants as well.