Surprised by this week’s rise in temperatures?
According to the National Weather Service’s Pittsburgh office in Moon, there is some validity to that reaction.
Temperatures are forecast to reach into the low 80s on Thursday, with a 30% chance of going above 82 degrees, said meteorologist Liana Lupo. Late April typically sees average lows in the mid 40s and average highs near 65 degrees.
“I wouldn’t call it abnormal to see 80 degrees,” Lupo said. “It’s just normally a little cooler at this time of the month.”
Average high temperatures don’t typically reach 80 degrees until mid-June, she said.
With trees across the region still growing their leaves for the season, Lupo said spring sunshine may feel warmer now than if foliage were fully developed.
Why? “Leaves help to absorb some of the sunlight,” she said.
A pop-up shower or thunderstorm could occur Thursday afternoon throughout the Pittsburgh area, as the potential for rain inches upward Friday.
But the overly warm weather won’t stick around for the weekend, Lupo said. Temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 60s, with precipitation unlikely.
But the warmth should return come Monday, with highs back in the 80s.