Pittsburgh Weather Radar
Pittsburgh Live Weather
Pittsburgh Live Weather Radar
Pittsburgh Hourly Weather Forecast
Pittsburgh 7-Day Weather Forecast
Pittsburgh Weather Overview
Pittsburgh doppler radar and weather radar show the humid continental climate patterns that define southwestern Pennsylvania. Located at the confluence of three rivers, Pittsburgh doppler weather radar tracks winter storms, flooding events, and severe thunderstorms across the metro area year-round. The weather radar Pittsburgh displays reveals how Appalachian terrain and river valleys create rapidly shifting conditions, making real-time Pittsburgh doppler radar monitoring essential for residents from December through March.
Winter weather dominates the Pittsburgh weather radar during the coldest months. The city averages 44.1 inches of snow annually, and Pittsburgh doppler weather radar data shows winter storms intensifying as they track through the Appalachian region. The Blizzard of 1950 dumped 27.4 inches in a single event, while the February 2021 ice storm left over 100,000 without power for days according to NWS Pittsburgh (WFO PBZ) records. Pittsburgh weather doppler radar proved critical during the January 1994 Arctic outbreak when temperatures hit −22°F with wind chills reaching −50°F to −60°F. Live doppler radar pittsburgh monitoring helps track approaching winter systems before they arrive.
Flooding appears frequently on doppler radar pittsburgh weather displays, especially along the Three Rivers. The catastrophic St. Patrick's Day Flood of March 1936 crested at 46 feet, killing over 60 people across the Pittsburgh area. More recently, Hurricane Ivan remnants dropped 5.95 inches in 24 hours during September 2004, overwhelming drainage systems citywide. Pittsburgh doppler weather radar and live doppler radar help residents monitor severe thunderstorms that produce flash flooding, hail, and occasional tornadoes. With 39.61 inches of annual precipitation spread across all seasons, weather radar pittsburgh pa provides essential advance warning for both winter storms and warm-season flooding events.
Pittsburgh Weather Risks & Safety
Winter Storm Risk
Winter storms hit Pittsburgh when Gulf or Pacific moisture runs into cold Arctic air — the result is some combination of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. The key thing to watch on radar is the rain-snow line: that boundary determines whether Pittsburgh gets rain, freezing rain, or heavy snow, and it can shift by miles in an hour. When a winter storm watch goes up, stock your emergency supplies and plan to stay home.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flash flooding is Pittsburgh's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Pittsburgh regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Pittsburgh, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Ice Storm Risk
Ice storms are rare in Pittsburgh but devastating when they hit. A quarter-inch of freezing rain coats everything — roads turn into skating rinks, power lines snap, trees come down. The radar shows whether you're getting rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow — that distinction is critical. When Pittsburgh gets an ice storm warning, stay off the roads and prepare for power outages that could last several days.
How to Use Pittsburgh Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions
Look at the weather status bar at the top of the Pittsburgh radar page — it shows temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions across southwestern Pennsylvania at a glance.
Monitor the Radar Map
The radar map shows precipitation and cloud cover moving across the Pittsburgh metro area. Toggle between views and hit play on the animation to see which direction winter storms or thunderstorms are moving and how fast they're approaching the Three Rivers region.
Review Hourly and Extended Forecasts
Scroll down to the hourly and 7-day forecast. Look for any winter weather, flooding potential, or severe thunderstorms in the next few hours or days that could affect travel across Pittsburgh's many bridges and steep terrain.
Plan Around Pittsburgh Weather
Heavy snow or ice storm approaching? Adjust your commute timing or work-from-home plans. Pittsburgh weather can shift fast during winter and spring severe weather season — check the radar frequently when watches or warnings are active for Allegheny County.
Who Benefits from Pittsburgh Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Pittsburgh commuters navigating I-376, the Fort Pitt Tunnels, and the Liberty Bridge can check the radar before heading out — see where winter weather, flooding, or severe thunderstorms are hitting and whether they'll impact the Parkway East or West during rush hour.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Runners along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and cyclists on the Great Allegheny Passage can check the hourly forecast before heading out. Spring storms and winter weather develop fast across southwestern Pennsylvania, and the radar shows them 30 to 45 minutes before they reach the Point.
Event Planners & Families
Planning an outdoor event at PNC Park, Heinz Field, or Point State Park? The 7-day forecast helps pick the best day. On event day, the radar shows exactly when rain, snow, or thunderstorms will roll across the Golden Triangle and North Shore.
Outdoor Workers
Construction crews across Pittsburgh's revitalized neighborhoods and infrastructure projects can check the radar before scheduling outdoor pours, steel work, or roofing. Southwestern Pennsylvania thunderstorms bring damaging hail and lightning, while winter ice storms can shut down work sites for days.