Thunderstorm wind is the dominant hazard at Friendship Hill, with 33 recorded events in Fayette County — far outpacing every other weather threat on record. These sudden, powerful gusts frequently accompany the same cells that produce the site's 7 logged hail events and 4 flash flood incidents, meaning storms here tend to hit on multiple fronts at once.
Before setting up camp, check the NOAA hourly forecast for southwestern PA and identify the nearest hard shelter, since tent structures offer no real protection from high-wind events. Pack a NOAA Weather Radio or download the Wireless Emergency Alerts app so you receive storm warnings without relying on cell signal. If skies darken quickly, move away from the riverside trail corridors near the Monongahela, where flash flood risk spikes fast during heavy rain.
Top recorded hazards in Fayette County
County dataFrom NOAA Storm Events (2024). Counts of recorded incidents — not all occurred at this park.
- Thunderstorm Wind 33
- Hail 7
- Flash Flood 4
- Flood 2
- Tornado 2
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About Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Albert Gallatin is best remembered for his thirteen year tenure as Secretary of the Treasury during the Jefferson and Madison administrations. In that time he reduced the national debt, purchased the Louisiana Territory and funded the Lewis & Clark exploration. Gallatin's accomplishments and contributions are highlighted at Friendship Hill, his restored country estate.
Weather
Weather varies considerably within each season. Be prepared with layered clothing. Precipitation is common throughout the year. Spring: Temperatures usually range from 25°F to 70°F. On average, May is the wettest month. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 50°F to 80°F. July is the warmest month. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 30°F to 70°F. Fall foliage is at its peak around mid-October. Winter: Temperatures range from 15°F to 40°F. January is the coldest month.