South of the Thruway will see a mild, damp weekend; North of it, threat of freezing rain and temps in the 30s loom
Freezing rain and sharp temperature swings are expected to cause hazardous travel conditions across parts of the Finger Lakes and surrounding regions this weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories for multiple counties including Cayuga, Wayne, and Monroe counties warning of potential ice accumulations and slick roadways. The advisories stretch through Sunday, with the heaviest icing forecast for northern Jefferson County, where totals could reach up to a half-inch.
A stalled frontal boundary over the region is driving the dramatic contrast in temperatures and precipitation. Forecasters say highs on Saturday will range from the 30s near Lake Ontario to the mid-60s along the Pennsylvania border. That boundary is expected to drift south before lifting north again as a warm front Sunday, prolonging unsettled conditions.
In Jefferson and Lewis counties, a mix of rain and freezing rain will continue through Sunday. Ice accumulations between a tenth and a half inch could make roads and sidewalks treacherous and raise the risk of isolated power outages.
Further south, including parts of Genesee, Monroe, and Wayne counties, a thinner glaze of ice—generally under a tenth of an inch—is likely through early Sunday. Temperatures hovering around freezing could cause slippery patches, especially on elevated surfaces.
Sunday’s forecast brings another wave of showers as the front lifts north. Conditions will gradually warm, ending the freezing rain threat in most areas by evening. However, the stark north-to-south temperature divide will persist, with highs from the 30s near the Saint Lawrence River to low 70s in the Southern Tier.
The risk of thunderstorms returns Sunday night and Monday as a stronger storm system moves in. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds possible. A cold front will sweep through the region Monday, dropping temperatures sharply and bringing rain and potential flooding concerns for local rivers and creeks.
By Tuesday, drier air will return behind the front. Sunshine and northwest winds will dominate, though temperatures will stay cold, with highs in the 30s. Forecasters say any lake effect snow should be light and brief.
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