Rain expected overnight into Monday before week of sunny skies

Feb. 28—Showers that saturated much of the region Sunday are expected to taper off Monday morning, but not before they bring almost an inch of rain to Westmoreland and Allegheny counties, according to the National Weather Service in Moon.

So far, both counties received half an inch of rain, according to NWS meteorologist Jenna Lake. Showers are expected intermittently throughout the evening and overnight, likely causing the area to see another half-inch of rain by Monday morning. The precipitation caused meteorologists to issue a hazardous weather outlook for Western Pennsylvania.

The outlook, which is in effect for several Western Pennsylvania counties, including Westmoreland and Allegheny, warns of rises in area rivers and streams, with possibilities of localized flooding. Lake noted flooding concerns are centered around the Monongahela and Cheat rivers in areas to the west and south of the two counties.

According to the National Weather Service website, Fayette, Somerset and Bedford counties are under a flood watch. A flood advisory also is in effect for the Ohio River in Pittsburgh.

Lake noted that at midnight, temperatures will be about 50 degrees. Temperatures will steadily decrease throughout the night, reaching the 30s by sunrise, where they will remain for most of the day Monday. Rain is expected before 7 a.m. Monday, but skies will be mostly sunny throughout the day. Lake added there is no concern of freezing rain overnight.

As a precaution, the Mon Wharf will be closed Monday.

Sunny skies are expected throughout much of the first week of March, with highs in the upper 30s by Tuesday. Temperatures will continue to increase, reaching 50 degrees by Wednesday, a NWS forecast shows, but once again will drop to the upper 30s by Thursday.

Megan Tomasic is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 724-850-1203, mtomasic@triblive.com or via Twitter .