By Arthur Person
Warm, dry conditions continue to dominate the weather across Pennsylvania. Although northwestern Pennsylvania and a few areas north of Pittsburgh have received above normal precipitation since September 1st, the rest of the state has been below normal with eastern (especially southeastern) counties having received less than 25% of normal rainfall. Moderate to severe drought is still being felt in a few north-central counties, and temperatures have averaged 2-6 F above normal across the state since September 1st. This pattern appears to be moderating, however, and as we move toward the end of September, temperatures are expected to trend to near normal while precipitation should become more frequent, trending above normal.
Scattered light showers will affect the northern half of Pennsylvania on Wednesday bringing with it cooler but seasonable temperatures for Thursday and Friday under fair skies. Saturday, clouds will increase as showers enter western Pennsylvania ahead of a storm system that will bring rain to the state Saturday night and Sunday. Monday will see gradual clearing with fair skies on Tuesday and near normal temperatures. Storminess in the southwest U.S. will bring unsettled weather for the remainder of next week. The last week of September should feature near normal temperatures and slightly above normal precipitation.