As Pittsburghers awoke on Monday, September 8, 2025, many found themselves reaching for an extra layer. The morning air was crisp—almost biting—thanks to temperatures plunging nearly 15 degrees below normal. According to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA, the chill was so pronounced that steam fog curled above the region’s river valleys, creating an ethereal start to the week and a potential hazard for early commuters navigating through limited visibility.
But the cold snap was just one note in a broader symphony of weather stability that’s set to play out in western Pennsylvania. Throughout the day, the mercury inched upward, eventually landing just a hair warmer than Sunday’s already cool high of 68 degrees. By afternoon, sunny skies and low 70s ruled the city, with only a few reminders of the unseasonable morning. "Today will see nothing but sunshine with a cool morning giving way to pleasant afternoon temperatures," noted a local weather broadcaster, echoing the optimism felt across the city.
Those hoping for rain to relieve parched lawns and gardens, however, were left wanting. As of September 8, the city had recorded only 0.39 inches of rain for the month, making it the driest start to September since 2018. The yearly rainfall deficit stood at 2.74 inches, all of it accumulating since June 1. “We do need some rain, and we are not going to get what we need anytime soon,” cautioned a meteorologist, capturing the growing concern among residents and farmers alike. The next real shot at precipitation? Not until the following Sunday, with a better chance not arriving until Monday, September 15.
That means this week will be dominated by a sprawling area of high pressure, the kind that meteorologists love for its predictability and event planners adore for its reliability. “A sprawling area of high pressure is our dominant weather feature this week. This will lead to daily sunshine and no rain anytime soon,” explained a local weather report. Temperatures will steadily climb, with highs in the mid-70s by Tuesday and flirting with 80 degrees by Wednesday. By Thursday and Friday, forecasters expect the city to bask in the low 80s—right in line with the seasonal average of 78 degrees for highs and 58 degrees for lows.
Overnight, the story is a bit different. The clear skies and light winds—hallmarks of high pressure—will allow heat to escape quickly after sunset, resulting in cool, sometimes chilly, nights. Monday night’s low dipped to a brisk 48 degrees, with Tuesday and Wednesday nights following suit at 50 and 52 degrees, respectively. The National Weather Service flagged the possibility of frost advisories in the higher elevations, particularly in the eastern Laurel Highlands, a reminder that autumn is waiting in the wings even as summer’s last act plays out.
For Pittsburgh’s early risers and valley dwellers, the combination of cool nights and residual moisture means fog is likely to be a recurring guest. “Morning fog along the valleys is possible, which could lead to limited visibility—something to bear in mind for the early commuters,” advised the National Weather Service. But by late morning, the sun’s warmth should burn off any lingering mist, leaving behind nothing but blue skies and gentle breezes.
If you’re planning to travel by air, there’s more good news. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions are expected to dominate through at least the workweek, with gentle winds and no significant disruptions anticipated at Pittsburgh’s regional airports. “Aviators can breathe a sigh of relief for now, as VFR conditions and gentle winds are projected to remain through at least the working week, all thanks to that persistent high pressure,” reported the National Weather Service. The only caveat? Those patches of valley fog, which could briefly complicate morning departures.
As the week unfolds, the forecast reads like a love letter to late summer: sunshine, comfortable afternoons, and a gradual warming trend. By Thursday, highs will reach the lower 80s, and this stellar stretch is expected to hold into the weekend. That’s great news for sports fans, as high school, college, and professional football games will enjoy near-perfect weather. “Conditions will be perfect for high school, college, and pro football games! It will be a pleasant evening under the Friday night lights,” enthused a local forecaster. Saturday’s Backyard Brawl in Morgantown and the Steelers’ home opener are both set to benefit from the summer-like feel and abundant sunshine.
Still, the region’s meteorological story isn’t without a hint of suspense. There’s some uncertainty as the weekend approaches, with temperature forecasts for Saturday and Sunday swinging by as much as 15 degrees depending on the model. And while a slight chance of precipitation is on the table for Sunday, the odds are slim. “You have to exceed the 75th percentile PoPs to even get a chance of 0.01" in a 24-hour period, most members are dry,” summarized the National Weather Service, underscoring just how unlikely meaningful rainfall is in the near term.
All of this sunshine and dryness is beginning to take a toll, particularly in western Pennsylvania’s more drought-prone pockets. The weekly drought monitor maps, set to be released Thursday morning, are expected to show an expansion of moderate drought conditions in some areas. The data cutoff for these maps is 8 a.m. Tuesday, so any hope for last-minute rainfall to alter the outlook is, unfortunately, misplaced. “We should be near our averages all week long. I feel I should bring up that we need rain,” one meteorologist reiterated, highlighting the tension between the current weather’s undeniable appeal and its longer-term consequences.
For now, though, Pittsburghers can revel in a rare stretch of September perfection—clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and a calendar full of outdoor possibilities. Whether you’re catching a football game, taking a morning jog along the rivers, or simply soaking up the sun, this week offers a reminder of why so many love the city in late summer. Just remember to keep an eye on the forecast—and maybe water those plants a little extra.
