Winter in Western Pennsylvania has a funny way of making you think you've seen it all. Honestly, if you grew up here, a few inches of snow usually doesn't even warrant a second thought. But the weather for pittsburgh today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, is doing something a bit more calculated than your average January dusting. It’s not just about the flakes; it’s about the "flash freeze" and the brutal wind chill that’s currently making the city feel like a walk-in freezer.
Basically, we're looking at a current temperature of 14°F, but with the wind coming out of the west at 8 mph, it feels like 3°F. That’s a significant gap. If you’re heading out to catch the T or just walking the dog in Shadyside, that single-digit real-feel is what’s going to bite through your layers.
Why the Flash Freeze is the Real Story
Most people are staring at their windows watching the snow, but the real mess happened overnight. Around 10 p.m. last night, a strong surface cold front slammed through the I-79 corridor. Because the ground was damp from previous precipitation, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned of a "flash freeze." This happens when the temperature drops so fast that road surfaces don't have time to dry.
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The result? Black ice. Even if the roads look "just wet," they’re likely a skating rink.
For the weather for pittsburgh today, we’re expecting a high of only 19°F. We won't even break the 20-degree mark. Usually, salt works great, but local spots like Scott Township have actually entered "conservation mode" for their salt supplies. They’ve noted that once we dip below 18 degrees, salt effectiveness drops and they have to use way more of it. Since we're hovering right at that line, don't expect the side streets to be perfect.
Breaking Down the Snow Totals
If you’re waiting for a massive blizzard, you might be underwhelmed. But if you’re driving north, it’s a different world.
- Pittsburgh Metro: We are looking at a total of 1 to 2 inches through this evening.
- North of Route 422: Places like Butler or toward I-80 could see 2 to 4 inches.
- The Ridges: The Laurel Highlands are the big winners (or losers, depending on your shovel) with up to 6 inches due to terrain-enhanced snow.
The humidity is sitting at 69%, and while the chance of precipitation is technically only 10% right now for the nighttime hours, the "cloudy" condition is holding in that lake-effect moisture.
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The Wind Chill Nobody Talks About
We talk about the "high" of 19°F, but that’s a bit of a lie when you factor in the 16 mph gusts we've seen today. The combination of northwest winds and these lingering snow showers is actually keeping our air quality in the "Good" range (around 12-15 AQI), which is a nice silver lining. But the tradeoff is that "single-digit" feels-like temp that KDKA and the NWS have been harping on all morning.
It’s the kind of cold that makes your car struggle to turn over.
Kinda makes you want to stay inside, doesn't it? If you have to commute, the NWS suggests reporting your local snowfall totals by calling 412-262-1988. They actually use those "boots on the ground" reports to calibrate their radar data.
What's Coming This Weekend
Don't put the shovel away. While we get a tiny break tonight and Friday morning, another disturbance is sliding in Friday afternoon. It's a "quick-hitter," but it'll add another coating to the mess. The real story, though, is the Arctic air mass arriving Monday. We’re talking about lows in the single digits—actual temperatures, not just wind chill.
Comparing this to the climate briefing from earlier this month, January 2026 is shaping up to be much more active than 2025. Last year was relatively warm and dry, but this year we’re seeing the 18th snowiest season of all time so far.
Actionable Next Steps for Pittsburghers:
- Check Your Salt: If you're in a township like Scott, use your salt sparingly on your driveway since local supplies are tight.
- Monitor the "Feels Like": Don't trust the 19°F high; dress for 3°F. Cover your face to prevent windburn.
- Prepare for Monday: This weekend is your window to ensure your pipes are insulated and your car battery is healthy before the sub-zero wind chills hit next week.
- Commute Early: With a 20% chance of light snow continuing tonight, Friday morning’s commute will likely deal with refrozen patches from today’s melting.
The weather for pittsburgh today is a reminder that in the Steel City, winter isn't a season—it's an endurance sport. Stay warm and keep those snow brushes handy.