So, you’re looking at the two week forecast for Pittsburgh pa and wondering if it’s finally time to dig those heavy-duty wool socks out of the attic. Honestly, if you live around here, you know the drill. One day you’re walking through Point State Park in a light jacket, and the next, you’re chipping an inch of ice off your windshield while questioning every life choice that led you to Western PA in January.
Basically, the next fourteen days are looking like a classic Steel City winter rollercoaster. We aren't just talking about a little flurry here and there; we’re looking at a legitimate deep freeze followed by some pretty stubborn snow patterns. If you've got travel plans or just need to commute down the Parkway, you're going to want to pay attention to the specific shifts coming our way.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow and a Sharp Drop
Right now, Pittsburgh is sitting in a bit of a transitional funk. Today, Saturday, January 17, we're seeing a high of 38°F, which feels almost balmy compared to what’s lurking in the wings. But don't let that fool you. As we head into tonight, the temperature is going to tank to 22°F with a 35% chance of snow.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is when the "real" winter vibes settle in. We’re looking at a high of only 23°F and a low of 17°F. It’s going to be cloudy with light snow—the kind that doesn't necessarily bury your car but makes the bridges over the Monongahela just slick enough to be annoying.
The Mid-Week Arctic Punch
If you think Sunday is chilly, Tuesday is going to be a wake-up call. We are looking at a high of 16°F and a low of 5°F. Yes, you read that right. Five degrees. At these temperatures, with even a moderate breeze from the southwest at 11 mph, frostbite becomes a genuine concern for anyone spending more than a few minutes outside.
Historically, January is the coldest month in the city, with average lows typically around 23°F, but we are trending significantly below that for the next several days. This isn't just "chilly"; it’s the kind of cold that makes your car engine groan when you turn the key.
Looking Into Next Week: The Snow Won't Quit
As we move into the second half of this two-week stretch, the pattern stays pretty active. We see a brief "warm-up" on Wednesday, January 21, with a high of 37°F, but it comes with a catch: more snow showers.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Snow showers continue with a high of 32°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Mostly cloudy, staying cold at 29°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: Light snow returns, high of 28°F, low of 14°F.
The consistent theme here is "cold and grey." Pittsburgh averages only about three hours of sunshine a day in January, and this year is leaning heavily into that statistic. We’re seeing a persistent "active track," which is a fancy meteorologist way of saying "expect a lot of small, fast-moving snow systems."
The Late-Month Trend
By the time we hit the end of January—around the 26th and 27th—the mercury is expected to take another dive. Forecasts are currently pointing toward highs in the 10°F to 15°F range. If you’re planning a weekend trip to the Laurel Highlands for some skiing, the conditions will be great for snowmaking, but you'll need every layer you own.
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The National Weather Service notes that late-month patterns are favoring this return to extreme cold. We are seeing a bit of a struggle between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) phases, but for now, the "cold and snowy" side is winning the tug-of-war.
What This Means for Your Daily Life
It’s easy to look at a list of numbers and shrug, but the reality of a Pittsburgh winter is in the details. The "flash freeze" is a real threat this week. When we have daytime temperatures near 40°F that plummet into the teens overnight, any slush on the roads turns into a sheet of black ice.
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- Check your tire pressure. Drastic temperature drops like the one we're seeing (from 38°F down to 5°F) will cause your "low tire" light to pop on. It’s physics, not a leak.
- Mind the salt. Standard rock salt starts losing its effectiveness once you get below 15°F. If you’re treating your sidewalk on Tuesday or Wednesday, you might need a calcium chloride blend.
- Watch the pipes. With lows hitting 5°F multiple nights this week, if you live in one of Pittsburgh’s famous older homes with questionable insulation, keep those faucets dripping.
Honestly, the best way to handle the next two weeks is to lean into it. Grab a Primanti’s sandwich, keep the ice scraper in the front seat, and maybe stay off the hills of South Side if things look even remotely glisteny.
The big takeaway? This isn't a "dusting" kind of week. It’s a "full winter gear" kind of fortnight. Stay warm, keep the lights on, and remember that February is just around the corner—though, knowing Pittsburgh, that usually just means more of the same.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep a close eye on the hourly updates for Monday night into Tuesday morning. The transition from 23°F down to 5°F is the most dangerous window for road conditions and home maintenance. Ensure your emergency car kit—blankets, jumper cables, and a shovel—is actually in your trunk and not in the garage.