The forecast this week in the Finger Lakes will feature a little bit of everything starting with mild temperatures and rain before giving way to cold, wintry conditions and lake effect snow by midweek, according to the National Weather Service.
Monday and Tuesday: Mild with Periods of Rain
A broad low-pressure system will bring light to moderate rain Monday morning, spreading from southwest to northeast between 9 a.m. and noon. Rainfall totals are expected to range between a third and half an inch, tapering off by late afternoon. Despite the rain, temperatures will remain above average, with highs ranging from the mid-30s in the North Country to near 50 degrees along Lake Erie.
Monday night will remain cloudy and damp, with fog and drizzle developing in higher elevations like the Catskills and Poconos, especially where snow cover remains. Lows will hover in the mid-30s to lower 40s.
Tuesday will see another surge of mild air, pushing temperatures into the upper 40s and mid-50s for most areas. Fog may linger in the eastern parts of the region, while the rest of the Finger Lakes remains cloudy with occasional light rain or drizzle.
Wednesday: Rain, Then a Cold Blast
A stronger storm system will arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing another round of rain. Precipitation totals will be manageable, generally staying below a third of an inch, though higher elevations east of the lakes could see up to half an inch.
By Wednesday afternoon, a cold front will sweep through the region, turning rain into snow across higher elevations, especially west of Interstate 81. Lower elevations will likely see rain through most of the day, but temperatures will begin to drop, signaling the arrival of colder air.
Late Week: Lake Effect Snow and Cold
The coldest weather of the season so far will arrive Wednesday night, with temperatures plummeting into the upper teens and mid-20s. Lake effect snow is expected east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, lasting through Friday. The strongest snow bands may impact areas near Buffalo and the Tug Hill Plateau, though exact locations remain uncertain. Wind chills could drop into the single digits on Thursday, with daytime highs only reaching the mid-20s.
By Friday, lake effect snow will begin to taper off, with dry conditions and a warming trend expected over the weekend.
Here’s what to expect day-to-day:
- Monday: Light to moderate rain; highs in the mid-30s to 50 degrees.
- Tuesday: Mild with drizzle or light rain; highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s.
- Wednesday: Rain turning to snow; falling temperatures in the afternoon.
- Thursday: Cold with lake effect snow; highs in the mid-20s.
- Friday: Snow showers taper off; highs in the 20s.
If you want more information or the latest from the National Weather Service visit the FingerLakes1.com Weather Center.
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