Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will face a challenging start to the week with a combination of heavy rain and smoggy air. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert remains in place, warning residents of unhealthy air conditions.
The weather on Monday promises to be hot, humid, and stormy, creating potential health and travel challenges. Here’s what you can expect from the weather this week in Pittsburgh.
Code Orange Air Quality Alert in Effect
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert will continue into Monday for Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, and surrounding counties. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued this alert because ozone levels will remain unhealthy, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory issues like asthma.
If you’re in these groups, it’s best to limit outdoor activities, especially during the afternoon when air quality is at its worst.
Thunderstorms Expected Monday Afternoon
On Monday, Pittsburgh will experience a high of 88°F with thunderstorms expected to develop between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The heavy rain is likely to affect major roadways, including I-376 and Route 28. The rain chances will rise to 90% by late afternoon, with some areas near Greensburg and Washington receiving up to half an inch of rain.
Winds could gust up to 15 mph during the storms, and visibility might be reduced due to haze and rain. Drivers should be cautious when traveling, as wet roads could make conditions more dangerous.
Health and Travel Tips for Monday
If you’re planning to be outside on Monday, especially in the late afternoon, it’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities. The combination of high humidity, stormy conditions, and reduced air quality could make it more difficult to breathe, particularly for sensitive individuals.
Consider postponing errands or waiting until the weather clears up. Evening storms could linger into midnight, and patchy fog may form afterward, adding to the potential travel hazards.
Weather Outlook for the Rest of the Week
Tuesday will bring more rain and thunderstorms with a 70% chance of precipitation, and the high temperature will be around 85°F. However, the weather should improve by Wednesday and Thursday with drier and sunnier conditions, and highs in the mid-to-upper 80s.
Friday, which is the 4th of July, will be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching around 92°F. It’s a great day for fireworks, although air quality may worsen again, so be mindful of any sensitive health conditions.
5-Day Weather Forecast for Pittsburgh
Monday (June 30): Thunderstorms likely from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., high of 88°F
Tuesday (July 1): Rain and storms with a 70% chance, high near 85°F
Wednesday (July 2): Sunny and dry with highs in the mid-80s
Thursday (July 3): Mostly sunny and warmer, highs in the upper 80s
Friday – 4th of July: Mostly sunny with a high of 92°F
Prepare for some wet weather and poor air quality on Monday, but sunnier and warmer days are on the horizon later in the week, making for a better start to July.
