Warm Winter Unusual, but Snow Expected Tonight

The Pittsburgh area didn't see much of a white Christmas, but according to the National Weather Service, the region should see snow Monday night.

The NWS forecast calls for a rain and snow mix through Monday evening, turning to snow after 9 p.m. Less than half an inch of snow is expected.

Last week, NWS meteorologist Brad Rehak said winter temperatures this season have averaged three degrees higher than normal. At this rate, he said, by the end of the season that average could jump to about 10 degrees higher than usual.

That’s a pretty big contrast to last December, which Rehak said was the coldest on record since 1871.

“Last year we were having a very cold month,” Rehak said. “So compared to last December, this is like picnic weather.”

But it's likely Monday's snow won't be the last of the season, and we could be shoveling snow by Valentine’s Day. 

Rehak said that although it’s normal to have several months in a row with above or below-average temperatures, it’s also possible that the next couple winter months will bring temperatures cold enough to make up for the warm weather now.

“I think we’re going to get a cold snap eventually because we always do,” Rehak said. “January and February might become colder than normal to balance it out a little.”