Carnegie Mellon University
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Carnegie Mellon University - Weather - Weather - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.31

Weather

Quick Stats

Temperature Averages Spring – High: 63 °F
Spring – Low: 38 °F
Summer – High: 83 °F
Summer – Low: 59 °F
Fall – High: 65 °F
Fall – Low: 42 °F
Winter – High: 40 °F
Winter – Low: 22 °F
Precipitation Averages Spring: 3.53 in.
Summer: 3.58 in.
Fall: 2.92 in.
Winter: 2.67 in.
What to Pack
  • Hats, gloves, scarves
  • Heavy winter coat
  • Light jackets
  • Rain boots or water-resistant shoes
  • Shorts (it's hot at the beginning and end of school)
  • Sweaters, thermals (think layers)
  • Umbrellas (you'll lose some of them)
Did You Know?
  • The North American blizzard from February 2010 is fondly known as "Snowpocalypse," and Pittsburgh received 21.5 inches of snow that first day alone.
  • In need of an umbrella? The bookstore in the University Center sells umbrellas, and if it's closed, you can take a quick bus ride to Rite Aid in Squirrel Hill, which is open 24 hours.
  • The beginning and end of the school year can reach up to the mid-80s, so remember to prepare for the heat and humidity in addition to the cold.

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

When coming to Pittsburgh, expect rain. Lots and lots of rain. Sometimes there are simply clouds in the sky, and it is threatening to rain but never does, and other times, walking on campus is what some students would imagine walking through the ocean would feel like. Those days are more rare, but at the very least, CMU students who are new to Pittsburgh get into the habit of carrying an umbrella with them at all times. This isn't to scare you off! When the sun is out, it shines like it would on the ultimate summer day. On these days, you could mistake the campus for one of those sunny, beach-side Californian schools. Students sunbathe on the cut, grill on the barbecue just for the heck of it, and engage in pick-up games of every sport imaginable. These sunny days are cherished during the winter, when a lot of people get cabin fever from avoiding the wintry weather. When it comes time for spring, it is still raining, but Pittsburgh has a unique ability to experience torrential down-pours one minute and glaring sun the next.

Pittsburgh's weather is something that students end up getting used to. The best way to deal with the weather is to always have access to an umbrella. If that's not possible, the campus is small—or you can simply camp out in a building and wait it out. Students really only complain when it comes time to go out on the weekends. Face it—who wants to trek to a party in the pouring rain? At the end of the day, however irritating the rain is, students just adapt because there is no reason to get worked up over something that no one really has any control over.

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Carnegie Mellon Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Weather at Carnegie Mellon University

TaoistPooh

Economics '14

3.1
B-

Dorms Get Cold/Hot

The dorms are very poorly maintained. At least once or twice, the dorms were unbearably cold during the winter, and for the first few weeks and the last few weeks of school, the heat is just sweltering. I went to high school in seasonal New Hampshire, and it was so bad as this in the dorms (I went to a boarding school).

May 25, 2012

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Weather at Carnegie Mellon University

CMUTartan

Chemical Engineering '15

1.9
C-

Never Dry

One major thing I've noticed is that Pittsburgh is rarely dry ever. It might not rain all the time and we might have our share of sunny days, but somehow it is always misting or the ground is soaked. I find it affecting my mood often.

Apr 03, 2012

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Weather at Carnegie Mellon University

natalieunderoath

Design and Visual Communications '15

2.3
C

Dreary

So Pittsburgh is infamously cloudy and dreary. But before October and after March, the sun tends to come out more. Classes are pretty much guaranteed to never get canceled. You get used to the snow, but once the weather starts warming up, everyone spends all day outside.

Apr 02, 2012

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User rating for Carnegie Mellon University - Weather is 3.5 out of 5 based on 33 user reviews.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Raina Bradford-Jennings
Hometown
Brookfield, CT
Major
Professional Writing
Grad Year
2014

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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