Weather Watch: Western Pennsylvania Flood Warnings Expire, But Rain Continues Through the Weekend
Quick Location Note: This forecast covers Western Pennsylvania — think Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Imagine the sky is like a sponge that’s been soaked in water. Today, it’s wringing itself out — but not all at once. Instead, it’s doing it in fits and starts: a downpour here, a rumble of thunder there, then a break of sun. That’s what meteorologists call an "Impact Day."
IMPORTANT: ALL FLOOD & STORM WARNINGS HAVE EXPIRED
As of Friday, every Flash Flood Warning and Severe Storm Warning issued for Western Pennsylvania has officially ended. But that doesn’t mean the rain is done — just that the most dangerous part has passed.
Today: Impact Day — Keep Your Rain Gear Handy
It’s not a total washout, but you’ll want to stay flexible. Here’s what to expect:
- Scattered showers and storms — they come and go
- Pockets of heavy rain — like a bucket dumped overhead
- Lightning — so head indoors if you hear thunder
- Slow-moving storms — this is key: they hover, so flash flooding is still possible even without active warnings
- Activity fades after sunset — evening plans? You’re likely in the clear
ELI5 Tip: "Slow movers" = storms that act like a leaky faucet over the same spot. Even light rain adds up fast if it doesn’t move.
The Weekend: Slowly Drying Out
Saturday — Hit or Miss
- Isolated storms — fewer, farther between
- Best chance: early afternoon — pack a poncho if you’re out at lunch
- Sun and clouds mixed — high near 85°F
Sunday — The Better Half
- Patchy morning fog — give yourself extra drive time
- Mostly dry all day — yay!
- One exception: a pop-up shower possible south of I-70 in the afternoon
- High: 86°F — warm, but not awful
4-Day Forecast at a Glance
| Day |
Conditions |
High / Low |
| Today |
Scattered storms, heavy rain at times |
84° / 68° |
| Tonight |
Isolated storms, partly cloudy |
— / 68° |
| Saturday |
Isolated storms, sun & clouds |
85° / — |
| Sunday |
AM fog, mostly dry, stray shower S. of I-70 |
86° / — |
Next Week: Humid & Stormy Again
The atmosphere stays juiced up (that’s meteorologist-speak for "lots of moisture and heat").
Expect thunderstorm chances to ramp up Tuesday & Wednesday — so keep checking the forecast if you have outdoor plans.
5 Simple Steps to Stay Safe & Dry
- Check the radar before heading out — apps like WTAE, Weather.gov, or your phone’s weather widget work great
- If you hear thunder, go indoors — lightning can strike 10+ miles from rain
- Never drive through flooded roads — 6 inches of moving water can knock you down; 1 foot can float a car
- Keep a rain jacket or umbrella in your car/bag — “just in case” is the smart plan
- Watch for fog Sunday morning — slow down, use low beams, leave space
Summary
- All flood & storm warnings expired Friday — immediate danger has passed
- Today = Impact Day — scattered heavy storms, slow movers = flash flood risk
- Weekend improves — Saturday: isolated storms; Sunday: mostly dry, just morning fog
- Highs in the low-to-mid 80s — warm and muggy
- Next week looks stormy again — Tuesday & Wednesday are the wettest days
FAQ: Your Weather Questions, Answered Simply
1. What does “Impact Day” mean?
It’s a local weather team’s way of saying: “Hey, weather might mess with your plans today — pay attention.” It’s not an official government alert, but it’s a helpful heads-up.
2. If warnings expired, why still worry about flooding?
Warnings mean imminent danger. But slow storms can still drop 1–2 inches in 30 minutes — enough to flood low spots, basements, or roads after the warning ends. Stay alert.
3. What’s “south of I-70”?
I-70 runs east-west across PA (through Washington, Somerset, etc.). “South of I-70” means areas below that highway — like Uniontown, Waynesburg, or Morgantown (WV). If you’re north of it (Pittsburgh proper), you’re likely fine Sunday.
4. Why is it so muggy?
A big blob of humid air from the Gulf of Mexico is parked over us. It’s like nature’s sauna — warm and wet. That fuels storms.
5. Should I cancel outdoor plans this weekend?
- Today: Have a backup plan (indoor option or shelter nearby)
- Saturday: Mostly okay — just dodge early afternoon
- Sunday: Best day — go for it, but watch for fog AM
Final Thought: Weather’s like a toddler — unpredictable, messy, but eventually it naps. Stay informed, stay dry, and enjoy the dry moments when they come!