PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - As Pittsburgh braves a First Alert Weather Day, residents are preparing for a dramatic shift in weather conditions as rain transitions into snow. The cold front sweeping through the region will bring colder air, causing temperatures to drop from the 40s in the morning to the 30s by evening, accompanied by gusty winds.

According to meteorologists, light rain showers will persist throughout the day, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated to occur east of Pittsburgh in higher elevations. Rainfall amounts are expected to range between a quarter to half an inch for most areas, while eastern regions may receive around an inch.

The transition to snow showers is predicted to start between 6-9 p.m. this evening, initially impacting mountainous areas. This transition, accompanied by steady snowfall, is expected to create wet and slushy road conditions, potentially causing travel difficulties until tomorrow morning.

In light of the anticipated snowfall, a winter weather advisory has been issued for Preston (WV) and Garrett (MD) counties. The advisory is effective from 7 p.m. this evening until 1 p.m. tomorrow, as snowfall amounts could reach 5-6 inches in these regions. Authorities have also cautioned that roads may not be sufficiently pretreated if rain occurs prior to the snowfall, increasing the risk of potential washouts.

Furthermore, scattered snow showers are expected to persist into Monday due to a lake effect setup. The accumulation of snowfall is projected to begin Sunday night and continue until the end of the day on Monday. Lower elevations, including Pittsburgh, are forecasted to receive little to no snow, with most accumulation occurring along I-80. Areas along this route could accumulate up to 2 inches by tomorrow afternoon. In the Laurel Highlands region, heavier snowfall is anticipated, with snow totals ranging from 3-6 inches.

Fortunately, after the snow passes, the remainder of the week is expected to bring ease to residents with the return of sunshine and moderate temperatures in the 40s.

As winter weather conditions persist, local authorities are urging residents to use caution while traveling and to stay updated on any further weather advisories or warnings.