Thursday Impact Day: Torrential Rain Returns Tonight
Pittsburgh Weather Alert: Thursday Impact Day with Heavy Rain, Then Pleasant Friday for Steelers Game
What’s Happening This Week?
Hey there! Meteorologist Mike Harvey from WTAE has the scoop on our upcoming weather, and it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. Thursday is the big day to watch — we’re talking heavy rain, possible flooding, and a messy morning commute. But don’t worry, Friday looks amazing for the Steelers game, and next week brings a lovely taste of fall.
Let’s break it all down in simple terms!
Important Alert: Flood Watch & Impact Day Thursday
HEADS UP! A Flood Watch is officially in effect from 4:00 PM Wednesday through 2:00 PM Thursday for these counties:
- Greene County (PA)
- Monongalia County (WV)
- Washington County (PA)
What’s an "Impact Day"? Think of it like a "heads up, this weather might mess up your plans" day. The rain Thursday morning could make driving tricky, so plan extra time!
Thursday Timeline: When Will Rain Hit?
Here’s your hour-by-hour guide for Thursday:
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Overnight | Rain arrives by sunrise Low: 64°F |
| Morning Commute | Heaviest rain falls — especially south of Pittsburgh |
| Around Lunch | Heavy rain ends |
| Mid-Afternoon | Rain clears Western PA completely |
| Overnight Low | 59°F |
Rain totals could top 1 inch — that’s enough to cause localized flooding (puddles on roads, small streams overflowing).
Why This Matters: Flooding Concerns
Here’s the tricky part: The ground is still soaked from the heavy rain we got this past weekend. Think of a sponge that’s already full — it can’t soak up any more water! So even though 1 inch might not sound like a lot, it could cause flooding again in the same spots that flooded before.
Areas hit hardest last weekend = highest risk this Thursday.
Friday: Perfect Steelers Game Weather!
Good news for football fans! The cold front that brings Thursday’s rain pushes through and leaves behind beautiful weather:
- Tailgating & Game Temps: Comfortable 70s
- Sky: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy
- Location: Acrisure Stadium
- Matchup: Steelers vs. New York Jets (final home preseason game)
- High: 80°F | Low: 59°F
Bottom line: Grab your Terrible Towel and enjoy — it doesn’t get much better than this for late August football!
Weekend Outlook: More Showers
The weather stays a bit unsettled:
- Saturday: Rain showers possible
- Sunday: Rain showers continue, thunderstorm can’t be ruled out
- Why? A weather system parked over the Great Lakes keeps sending moisture our way
Next Week: A Taste of Fall!
Monday = the system finally leaves. Tuesday onward = dry, comfortable, September-like weather. Think crisp mornings, pleasant afternoons, and zero humidity. Fall preview: activated.
Quick 3-Day Forecast Summary
| Day | Conditions | High / Low |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Impact Day — Morning heavy rain, clearing late | 77° / 59° |
| Friday | Partly to mostly sunny — Steelers Game Day! | 80° / 59° |
| Saturday | Rain showers likely | — |
FAQ: Your Weather Questions Answered
1. What exactly is a "Flood Watch"?
It means conditions are right for flooding, but it’s not happening yet. It’s a "be ready" alert. A Flood Warning would mean flooding is happening or imminent.
2. Should I cancel my Thursday morning plans?
If you’re driving south of Pittsburgh during the morning commute — yes, consider delaying if possible. If you must drive: leave early, go slow, and never drive through standing water (turn around, don’t drown!).
3. Will the Steelers game be delayed by weather?
Very unlikely! Friday looks fantastic — dry, comfortable, and mostly sunny. The rain is long gone by then.
4. Why does the same area keep flooding?
Two reasons: (1) The ground is already saturated from last weekend, like a soaked sponge. (2) Low-lying areas and poor drainage spots naturally collect water first.
5. When will it feel like fall for real?
Monday into next week! A cool, dry air mass moves in — think 70s for highs, 50s for lows, low humidity, and lots of sun. Perfect sweater weather.
Final Takeaway
Thursday = Stay alert, allow extra travel time, watch for flooding.
Friday = Enjoy the Steelers game in near-perfect weather!
Weekend = Keep an umbrella handy.
Next Week = Hello, fall vibes!
Stay safe out there, Pittsburgh! And as always — turn around, don’t drown.