Severe thunderstorms threaten Western Pennsylvania with dangerous winds and rain
- A band of decaying storms is expected to move into Western Pennsylvania today, weakening as it approaches the area.
- A potent storm system comes from the southwest, likely triggering severe weather including thunderstorms later today.
- Western Pennsylvania residents should prepare for potential severe storms, including strong winds and isolated tornadoes.
On March 16, 2025, severe thunderstorms are anticipated to impact Western Pennsylvania. A band of decaying storms moving northeast from Indiana and Ohio is expected to weaken as it enters the region, likely passing from Pittsburgh northward between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. However, a more potent atmospheric wave will develop later, causing new thunderstorms to form in Central Ohio and Indiana. These storms are predicted to reach Western Pennsylvania by late Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday. Given the background of these storms, there is a concern for severe weather potential, driven by strong wind shear which may lead to damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. The atmosphere’s instability throughout the day will peak between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, specifically due to low-level heating and moisture. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Western Pennsylvania under a slight risk for severe weather, indicating a possibility of isolated to severe storms. Expectation of wind gusts between 35mph and 50mph further exacerbates the situation, increasing the urgency of preparedness in the region. Additionally, as the cold front progresses across Ohio and into Pennsylvania, the potential for downburst winds and weak tornadoes (EF-0 to EF-1) also remains significant. As conditions shift, there may be a temporary break from storms in the late afternoon into the evening, but models suggest sporadic isolated storms could develop near sunset, leading into colder air for the evening overnight hours with a mix of rain and snow anticipated. Following the stormy Sunday, the weather is forecasted to stabilize under the influence of high pressure into the early week, where temperatures will face a brief drop before unseasonably warm conditions return midweek. However, another system is projected to approach late Wednesday night, indicating the possibility of more rain and gusty winds toward the end of the week, which may disrupt the brief warmth seen beforehand. People are advised to stay updated with weather reports to ensure safety and preparedness for the storms forecasted.