When Can Pittsburgh Expect Its First Snowfall?

PITTSBURGH, PA - Despite below-average temperatures in recent days that has brought a frosty morning glaze to vehicles left outside overnight, southwestern Pennsylvania has yet to see its first measurable snow.

When will the white stuff be arriving?

If you like a wintry look on the sidewalk, you likely will be disappointed by the answer. Temperatures are expected to begin moderating over the weekend, and there is little chance of precipitation until late next week.

In case you were wondering, the earliest measurable snow in Pittsburgh occurred twice on Oct. 18 ,
according to the National Weather Service. The area received 1.8 inches in 1972 and 1.3 inches in 1992.

Typically, the region receives an average of 0.4 inches of snow in October and 2.4 inches in November. But there are times when that average is greatly exceeded.

Take Oct. 31, 1993, when 6.6 inches of snow fell. That was the largest October accumulation ever in Pittsburgh and gave trick-or-treaters a surrealistically Christmas feel to Halloween..

Mother Nature has walloped the Pittsburgh area in November as well. The five greatest accumulations for the month, according to the weather service:

• Nov. 17, 1980: 8.7 inches.

• Nov. 25, 1950: 10.1 inches.

• Nov. 28, 1958: 10.4 inches.

• Nov. 9, 1913: 12.5 inches.

• Nov. 24, 1950: 14 inches.

You needn't worry about any accumulations approaching those levels any time soon. Check out this forecast:

Enjoy it while you can.

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