Rain showers could be the real scare for trick-or-treaters this Halloween in Western Pennsylvania.
Shannon Hefferan, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Moon, said the region will see heavy rain leading into the holiday — perhaps more than an inch Thursday. It might not let up.
In the morning hours Friday, the chance of rain will be between 70% and 90%, she said. The chance of rain will decrease during the day, and it could stop by the time kids head outdoors in search of candy, according to Hefferan.
“We’re pretty confident there will be some remnant showers around the area” during trick-or-treating, she said. “It’ll be in and out.”
Overall, the chance of rain will be higher for areas north of Pittsburgh, according to Hefferan.
She said it might be a good idea for trick-or-treaters to bring an umbrella, just in case.
Brian Hutton, WTAE-TV meteorologist, offered more of a treat in his forecast. He said there will be rain in the area from late Wednesday into Thursday. But the rainfall should exit Friday morning “likely before sunrise,” Hutton said.
As for the temperature, Hefferan said trick-or-treaters should expect it to be in the upper 40s, maybe hitting 50 degrees.
“I think with the clouds, it’ll keep it a little bit warmer,” she said.
It will likely be a little cooler in eastern Westmoreland County heading into the Laurel Highlands and the valley of Chestnut and Laurel ridges, Hutton said.
Last year brought record warmth for Halloween — with a high of 80 degrees, according to Hutton. The coldest Halloween on record came at 20 degrees in 1887.
Trick-or-treaters should be prepared for wind gusts across the region at around 20 to 25 miles per hour, Hefferan said, with the wind chill in the upper 30s to low 40s.
“There could be some higher isolated gusts, so decorations might be flopping,” Hefferan said. “They might have to bring some gloves.”
