Weekend storm kicks off snowy start to winter
Saturday’s snowstorm, which buried Southwestern Pennsylvania under a pre-Christmas blanket of snow, was the region’s biggest snowfall in three years, with accumulation ranges between 5 and 8 inches.
“For the most part, we saw around 5 inches to 8 inches in most areas. We had quite a bit more snow in the ridges, with Ohiopyle seeing 10.5 inches,” said Jared Rackley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. “Honestly, it was a really good forecast in terms of the amount of snow we predicted.”
NWS Pittsburgh recorded 5 inches at its Moon Township office, making it the snowiest day of 2025 and the biggest snowfall since March 12, 2022, when 8 inches fell.
In all, the storm total there from Saturday into Sunday was 5.7 inches.
That amount falls just shy of the record for the day, which was set on Dec. 13, 2003, when 7.7 inches were recorded.
The snowstorm led several restaurants to close early and impacted weekend events, including the North Strabane Township “Holidays in the Park” event, which was canceled. The event has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Cold weather also was a factor over the weekend.
A cold weather advisory was in effect until Monday morning – wind chill temperatures were below 0 degrees in some areas – and several schools in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties delayed or canceled classes, or switched to a remote learning day.
NWS urged caution on roadways Monday morning because untreated roads were expected to be icy and slick.
Relief from the frigid temperatures is on the way, though, with temperatures expected to rise into the mid- to high-40s later this week, according to Rackley.
“Tuesday, we will be in the mid-30s and back in the 40s by Wednesday, so we will lose most of the snow then,” said Rackley. “Whatever is left on the ground will melt and wash away on Thursday, when rain is moving in.”
The melting snow likely won’t cause any flooding issues, however, said Rackley, who noted, “There’s not enough snow to affect flooding as we warm up.”
A mix of rain and snow is expected on Friday, but little accumulation is forecast.
And, for those hoping for a White Christmas, the predicted warming temperatures mean it’s unlikely that there will be snow on Dec. 25.