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Rainfall Forecast for Southwestern Pennsylvania

A typical rainy day in Pennsylvania, showcasing the natural beauty of the region amidst the rainfall.

News Summary

A significant rainfall event is expected in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia starting late Tuesday night, with predictions of over an inch of rain by Wednesday morning. Areas south of US-22 are at the highest risk for heavy rainfall, which may cause ponding on roads and reduced visibility for drivers. Residents are advised to prepare for potential water pooling in low-lying areas, while monitoring the situation closely as meteorologists track changing weather conditions. The warmest day of the week is anticipated on Wednesday, with highs around 70 degrees.

Pennsylvania – A steady band of rain is predicted to sweep into southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia starting late Tuesday night. The National Weather Service anticipates that the rain will bring the possibility of over an inch of rainfall by Wednesday morning, with areas south of US-22 at the highest risk.

Forecasters project that there is a 20% to 50% chance of rainfall exceeding 1 inch in higher elevations south of US-22. In contrast, the likelihood of such rainfall north of US-22 drops to a range of 10% to 20%. Rain is expected to start for most areas by Tuesday evening and will persist through much of Wednesday.

Key communities that are likely to experience heavier downpours include Morgantown, Uniontown, and portions of the Laurel Highlands. The anticipated heavier rainfall could lead to ponding on roads, and reduced visibility is a concern for drivers during the Wednesday morning commute. Residents are therefore advised to slow down and allow extra travel time, particularly on rural or hilly routes.

Residents are also encouraged to check storm drains around their properties and prepare for potential water pooling in low-lying areas. While flooding is not currently anticipated, meteorologists are monitoring the situation closely, as conditions may change if rainfall rates intensify.

Rain chances will continue through late Wednesday, with rain totals expected to average more than an inch across the region on Wednesday and Thursday. Some isolated areas may even see totals exceeding 2 inches, which could lead to marginally high river and creek levels and the potential for flash flooding, especially after periods of heavy downpours.

This weather event follows recent severe weather in the region; the Pittsburgh office of the National Weather Service confirmed that damage in Butler County was due to a tornado. A survey will soon take place to determine the tornado’s maximum wind speeds and the dimensions of its path. Previously, a tornado watch had been in effect for much of western Pennsylvania, but that alert has since expired. Two tornado warnings were issued for parts of Butler and Armstrong counties, as well as for Allegheny, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, but those warnings have also expired.

On Tuesday, the area began the day approximately three-tenths of an inch behind the average rainfall pace. However, by the end of the day, it is expected that total rainfall will exceed this average due to the impending storm system. Following the rain, high temperatures are forecasted to reach around 70 degrees on Wednesday, marking it as the warmest day of the week. In contrast, highs on Thursday and Friday are anticipated to drop to the mid-50s.

Looking ahead, there is potential for afternoon storms on Memorial Day, with projected highs once again near 70 degrees. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather conditions leading up to and during this period, as further updates may be provided if the rainfall intensifies or the threat area expands.