Storms could bring large hail, high winds to Pittsburgh area

The Pittsburgh region will be returning to cooler and less muggy weather this weekend, but it’s going to have to get through the transition this afternoon that could come with some severe storms.

There’s a slight chance for severe weather Friday afternoon, mainly east and north of the city, National Weather Service meteorologist John Darnley said. Large hail and significant winds are the primary threat.

Damaging wind gusts are a primary threat with the expected storms this afternoon. While tornadoes are expected to remain a low risk, remember that severe thunderstorms can contain straight line wind comparable to a weak tornado! pic.twitter.com/11IRLPZytX

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) May 29, 2020

The severity of the storms will be affected by today’s cloud cover. If it remains cloudy, the storms will be weaker; if skies clear out, the storms will be stronger, Darnley said.

Storms are expected between 5 and 8 p.m. when a cold front moves through the region.

A severe thunderstorm watch may be issued later today, the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh said on Twitter.

Thunderstorm development is expected to ramp up over the next couple of hours. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch may be issued later today. Stay #WeatherReady! https://t.co/6COTBI85vB

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) May 29, 2020

The high Friday is expected to reach 81 degrees, with a dew point around 66, which is considered uncomfortable. While higher than the normal of 74, it’s not close to the record for the day of 95 set in 1881, according to Darnley.

After the cold front moves through, the low Friday night is forecast to be 56 degrees, which Darnley said is around normal.

On Saturday, the high is expected to also be around normal at 72. With a dew point around 53 degrees, it will be noticeably less muggy.

“The front kind of adjusts our temperatures to get us out of that warm, swampy air,” Darnley said.