Derecho Could Bring Severe Wind, Thunderstorms To Pittsburgh Area

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh area could be impacted by the edge of a massive band of powerful thunderstorms this week that forecasters are warning may turn into the rare weather phenomenon known as a derecho.

The thunderstorm complex is forming across the Midwest and to the Atlantic coast, with the strongest parts of it likely to impact Wisconisin to West Virginia, according to Accuweather. It could bring with it torrential rains, hail, and destructive winds.

The Pittsburgh region is right along the edge of the path, according to the latest forecasts. Accuweather indicates "some" likelihood that severe weather from this storm front will impact the southern part of the state.

"There are some questions as to the path, longevity and extent of the thunderstorm complex, but there is no doubt of the likelihood of at least isolated severe storms over hundreds of miles," Accuweather notes, citing meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

"Derecho" refers to widespread, long-lasting, destructive straight-line winds. The term for the fast-moving winds was coined in 1888 to differentiate the weather pattern from that of tornadoes. To become a derecho, a storm must generate winds of at least 58 miles per hour along an area of 240 miles or more.

The National Weather Service says that some showers and thunderstorms could begin after 2 p.m. Monday, but the bulk of the storms are anticipated to reach the area early Tuesday.

"Some of the storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain," in the Pittsburgh area, weather experts said.

Here's the latest forecast from the National Weather Service:

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 87. Light west wind.

Monday night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon. High near 89. West wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday night

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday

A chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 91. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 80%.