Clear skies expected this weekend following bouts of rain

The Pittsburgh region can expect to see clear skies and high temperatures over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

The sunny forecast comes days after bouts of rain moved through the area this week. Yesterday’s showers brought close to an inch of rain at Pittsburgh International Airport, Meteorologist Pat Herald said, noting that is a normal amount of rain for the season.

Here is a radar estimation of the total precipitation seen over the last 24 hours. Note the heavier bands of rain that feel over eastern OH into far northern WV and over portions of Westmoreland/Indiana counties. pic.twitter.com/UykRwM2PXG

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) July 24, 2020

The mildly-cool front that's crossing the area now will leave drier air in its wake. We expected beautiful (though still warm) conditions through the weekend before a chance of rain returns late Monday. pic.twitter.com/LgOccTYWF2

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) July 24, 2020

Rain is expected to return late Monday evening.

Temperatures over the weekend will hover near 90, although Friday’s 83 degrees was around seasonal norms. According to the weather service, the region is currently in the 10th longest streak of days with highs exceeding 80 degrees, with 29 days.

The longest streak occurred in 1878 when temperatures exceeded 80 degrees for 46 days. A NWS tweet hinted that, if temperatures continue to hover where they are, the region could once again reach it’s fourth longest streak of 34 days. The last time that record was reached was in 1887.

Do we sound like a broken record with heat stats? ? Well, add this nugget to the collection...#Pittsburgh is currently in the 10th longest streak of days with high temperature >= 80°, with potential to be 4th longest by Wednesday.

Who wants to make a run at 1st place?! pic.twitter.com/fj0HH1OcVE

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) July 24, 2020

Herald said it is possible the area could reach that mark, adding, “We’re going to continue to get warm weather so it could be possible but there’s daily showers and thunderstorms that aren’t going to help.”