If the sunny skies and springlike warmth over the weekend made winter seem like a distant memory, Pittsburghers may want to hold that thought.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Moon say a midweek cold front is expected to sweep through Western Pennsylvania on Wednesday, bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms before colder air moves in. As temperatures drop, rain showers could change over to snow, with up to a half-inch possible.
“We’re in the transition season in full swing,” said NWS Meteorologist David Shallenberger.
Thunderstorms that could produce heavy winds and hail are expected Wednesday, according to the NWS forecast discussion.
Despite unseasonably warm temperatures in the beginning of the week – highs in the upper 60s on Monday and highs in the lower 70s on Tuesday – Shallenberger said colder temperatures are not unheard of in early March.
Last year, Pittsburgh got 4.3 inches of snow in the beginning of March, Shallenberger said.
“I will say that the Weather Prediction Center has not put us in an excessive rainfall outlook for this event, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t get a situation where you get a little bit heavier rain in a low lying area that could create issues,” Shallenberger said.
On Saturday, the region was under a tornado watch.
The NWS posted a public service reminder of the differences between a tornado watch or warning.
“Watch = Watch out conditions are possible — plan where your safe place will be! Warning = Take cover NOW,” the X post said.
While flurries are expected, Shallenberger said that the ground will be too warm for the snow to stick.
Temperatures in March usually stay between highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, Shallenberger said.
“Right after that front does go through, we have more normal temperatures than what we’re seeing this time of year,” Shallenberger said. “We’re transitioning fully into the spring season.
