Pittsburgh, PA – Morning lows dipped to around 50 degrees across most communities, while afternoon highs are forecast to climb to near 80° today. With a powerful ridge of high pressure parked over the southern Plains, meteorologists say the region should expect little to no rain for the next seven days — a pattern that could expand recent moderate drought conditions.
This week’s NOAA Drought Monitor release — scheduled for 8:30 this morning — is expected to show much of the area listed as abnormally dry, with up to half the region already at moderate drought levels. Forecast models agree on a prolonged dry stretch, with only a marginal shower chance late Saturday into Sunday morning and the next realistic rain chance not arriving until next Thursday.
Temperatures and Humidity This Week
Expect a consistent temperature pattern for the next several days:
- Morning lows: around 50°F today, rising into the mid-to-upper 50s over the weekend.
- Highs: near 80°F today — forecast models show Pittsburgh specifically reaching about 79°F — and climbing into the low 80s for the weekend.
- Humidity: currently very low; expected to tick up to the low range starting Sunday.
Drought Monitor: What to Expect
The weekly drought maps from NOAA’s Drought Monitor will reflect the ongoing dry trend. Forecasters anticipate:
- Abnormally dry conditions across most — if not all — of the coverage area.
- Growth of areas in moderate drought, expanding from last week’s initial pockets.
Key facts at a glance:
- Weekly drought map release: 8:30 this morning.
- Rainfall over next 7 days: generally none, with any shower totals under 0.05 inches.
- Next meaningful rain chance: currently projected for next Thursday if no light showers occur Sunday morning.
Why the Rain Is Holding Off
The primary driver behind the dry stretch is a persistent blocking pattern anchored by a strong ridge of high pressure over Texas & Oklahoma. This ridge is robust enough to deflect the usual short waves along the jet stream to its north — and that includes our region.
“I expect slightly worsening drought-like conditions with the chance that our entire area will be listed as abnormally dry,” a KDKA meteorologist wrote in the briefing accompanying this week’s forecast. “Until this ridge breaks down, we will see little to no rain.”
What Residents Should Know and Do Now
With dry conditions likely to expand, residents and local officials should consider short-term preparatory steps:
- Monitor water usage and consider conservation measures for outdoor watering.
- Check local restrictions — some municipalities issue voluntary or mandatory water-use rules during drought onset.
- Watch for updates to the NOAA Drought Monitor and local forecasts to track the situation.
- Report any unusually dry wells or water supply problems to local authorities promptly.
Looking Ahead: Rain Chances and Timing
Model guidance is fairly consistent about the lack of precipitation through the upcoming week. There is a small chance of a passing shower late Saturday into Sunday morning, but models do not agree on that signal and any measurable rain would likely be under 0.05 inches. If Sunday morning remains dry, forecasters estimate the next viable window for rainfall is next Thursday.
Summary
The outlook for Pittsburgh over the next week is clear: warm days, cool mornings, rising humidity late in the weekend, and a persistent lack of rainfall driven by a strong southern ridge. With the NOAA Drought Monitor expected to show expanded abnormally dry and moderate drought areas, residents are advised to monitor conditions and consider short-term water-saving steps.
What do you think about these dry conditions in Pittsburgh? Have you noticed drier lawns, lower creek levels, or water-use restrictions where you live? Share your experiences and tips for coping with drought in the comments below.
