The Finger Lakes region is in for a week of shifting weather patterns, including snow accumulations, gusty winds, and a transition to milder temperatures with rain, according to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast discussion.
Saturday is expected to bring ongoing lake effect snow, particularly east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Residents in the Buffalo area and parts of northern New York should prepare for 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation during the day, while the Tug Hill region and northern Oswego County may see between 6 and 10 inches. As the day progresses, the lake effect bands will lift northward and begin to weaken. Snowfall may be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph along the Lake Erie shoreline and into Erie and Niagara counties. A Winter Storm Warning remains in place for the eastern Lake Ontario region through Sunday morning.
By Sunday, a clipper system will exit the region, with snowfall gradually tapering off in the morning. Gusty winds, with potential gusts of up to 35 mph, will linger through the early part of the day before gradually subsiding. Temperatures will moderate, reaching the lower 40s across much of the region, though higher elevations will remain in the mid to upper 30s. A cold front passing through later in the day could bring scattered rain or snow showers.
Sunday night will feature a few lingering lake-driven rain or snow showers east of the lakes, as temperatures dip into the 20s in the North Country and the low 30s across western New York.
Looking ahead to Monday, a strong upper-level disturbance will move through, bringing widespread rain to the Finger Lakes and surrounding areas. Some snow may mix in during the morning, particularly in higher elevations like the Tug Hill Plateau. As the day progresses, temperatures will climb into the mid-40s, making this a predominantly rainy event. Rainfall amounts are expected to range between one-third and one-half inch.
The rain will taper off Monday night, but scattered showers could persist into Tuesday. Temperatures will remain mild, with highs potentially reaching the lower 50s ahead of an approaching frontal system.
By Wednesday, colder air is expected to return, and rain may transition back to snow, depending on how the system develops. The latter part of the week could bring a return of lake effect snow, particularly east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, as temperatures drop to or below freezing.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions and take precautions, especially for potential slippery roads, strong winds, and periods of reduced visibility during snow events.
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