New Year's Eve Weather: Plan for Cold Temperatures and Light Snow

The National Weather Service says snow is likely.

Venturing out for New Year's Eve? Bundle up. The National Weather Service forecasts a high of 34 today (Monday) and a low of 28. Snow is likely too, with an accumulation of less than one inch possible. Snow is in the forecast for New Year's Day also, but less than half an inch is forecast. Here is the forecast for the Pine-Richland area from the weather service: Today: Cloudy, with a high near 34. Southwest wind 14 to 16 mph.  Tonight: Light snow likely, mainly after 4 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 28. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.  New Year's Day: Snow showers likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 29. West wind around 9 mph. Chance of …

• Photos (1)

Need Information About First Night Pittsburgh?

The downtown event promises a lot of fun and activities.

Winter Weather Update: Is More Snow on the Way for New Year's Eve?

How should you dress for New Year's Eve? If you're planning to be outdoors that night, better bundle up and remember your boots. Same goes for New Year's Day.

Making plans for a New Year's celebration? Better dress for snow, especially if you plan to be outdoors after 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve or through the morning on New Year's Day. There's a chance folks around Western Pennsylvania will see snow fall before then, but the accumulation will be less than 2 inches through the day Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Moon Township.  Come Monday night, though, the weather service predicts we'll be likely to see more snow start to fall after 7 p.m.—around the time many of us will be heading out for First Night Downtown, fancy revelry elsewhere or a neighborhood bash. Here is the latest forecast from the weather service: Overnight: Light snow likely, mainly before 5 a.m. Cloudy, with a…

• Photos (1)

Ring in 2013 at First Night Pittsburgh

The downtown event promises a lot of fun and activities.

Ring in the new year with fellow Pittsburghers at Highmark's First Night Pittsburgh event. The family-friendly event is produced by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and provides visitors the opportunity to ring in the new year while celebrating the arts—dance, music, theater, comedy, hands-on activities and more. Several of the city's theaters will be hosting a variety of performances. The event begins at 6 p.m. with the Dollar Bank children's fireworks display and a performance by American Idol finalist—and Washington County native—Adam Brock at the Seventh Street-Penn Avenue stage. A parade begins at 8 p.m., and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band will be performing at 10:45 p.m. on the Highmark stage on Penn Avenue next to Fifth Avenue Place. For a…

• Photos (2)

Toast the 2013 New Year with a Bottle of Champagne

Choosing the appropriate sparkling wine for New Year's Eve can make you dizzy before the first sip. Here's a handy guide to the intoxicating world of bubbles on a budget.

The pop of the Champagne cork is as much a part of the New Year’s Eve soundtrack as "Auld Lang Syne" and fireworks. The tiny, tickling bubbles evoke celebratory moods. With so many sparkling wines to choose from, picking the best bottle can be daunting. Prices for sparkling wine range from less than $10 to more than $500 per bottle. Keep in mind that while you usually get what you pay for, there are some great options for those of us on a budget.  Large “negociant” champagne houses that purchase much of their fruit, such as Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, Roederer, Taittinger, Perrier Jouet and Nicolas Feuillatte, dominate the market. However, in the last decade or so, Champagne from small growers has gained some traction with Champagne …

• Photos (1)

Bus Detours, Street Closures Planned During Pittsburgh's First Night Event

Buses to run on amended schedules and access to parking garages will be changed during annual festivities and parade.

Revelers headed to Downtown Pittsburgh tonight for New Year's Eve should note that the Port Authority of Allegheny County will enact detours on about 20 bus routes and numerous streets will be closed due to First Night activities. First Night-related detours are scheduled to begin at approximately 10 a.m. today and will be in effect through the end of service tonight. Riders should allow for extra time when traveling on New Year’s Eve and through the holiday weekend, when Port Authority bus, light-rail "T" and incline service will follow these schedules: For more information, call Port Authority customer service at 412-442-2000 or the TTY number, 412-231-7007. The customer service line is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday …

• Photos (1)

Day Tripper

A Tale of Two Celebrations: New Year's Eve in the 'Burgh and Silvester in Harmony

Both celebrations will offer great family fun.

After the packages are open and the dust settles post-Christmas, it’s time to start planning your New Year’s Eve celebration. Of course, Pittsburgh has a great "First Night" celebration every year on Dec. 31. Thousands of people gather in the city for a safe, fun way to welcome in the New Year. Officially called Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2012, this year's event has some great entertainment acts lined up. Things will kick off at 6 p.m., and early visitors can take in the holiday decorations that still are up and glowing around our beautiful city. First Night buttons allow access to all of the activities slated for New Year’s Eve. The buttons are $8 if purchased in advance and $10 the night of the event. When you buy the buttons, you …

• Photos (5)

Day Tripper

Day Tripper: History Comes Alive with Harmony Museum, Events

Many of the original buildings still stand in the town that the German Harmonist Society founded in 1804.

Nestled in Butler County about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, Historic Harmony makes it easy to learn a wealth of information about the bygone days of Western Pennsylvania without driving far from home. Designated as a National Historic Landmark town, Harmony recognizes and honors the Native American, Harmonist and Mennonite settlers of the area with Historic Harmony Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and maintaining the Historic Harmony Museum and the traditions of early pioneers. “Our main museum is located right in the town, but we have eight sites that we maintain,” said John Ruch, president of Historic Harmony. “We also have activities all year-  round to attract folks to our area.” Led by German pacifist George Rapp, the …

• Photos (7)