Hot, humid and stormy week ahead for the Finger Lakes

The longest stretch of summer in 2015 will continue into the later half of this week for the Finger Lakes, with thunderstorms entering the picture as well starting Tuesday.
The longest stretch of summer in 2015 will continue into the later half of this week for the Finger Lakes, with thunderstorms entering the picture as well starting Tuesday.

While not the most extreme heat of the year, this stretch of summer will be the most persistent so far in 2015.

Temperatures should continue to be well above 80 degrees for most of this week as the weather pattern over the northeastern quadrant of the United States becomes slow moving.

A large area of high pressure extends from the Ohio Valley off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic, while a front will slowly track from the Mid-west across the Great Lakes. Between these systems, a conveyor of hot and humid air on southwest winds will pump right into the Finger Lakes.

Temperatures have been in the 80s since Friday and will continue to be above average until at least Wednesday and possibly Thursday as well. Temperatures during this time will mostly be in the mid to upper 80s, but a few locations may touch 90º. Overnight lows will be especially warm, with most mornings not dropping much  past 70º, if at all.

By Friday, the front will be to our east, sending temperatures back into the 70s for the weekend.

While Sunday was dry, and the front remains far enough west on Monday, by Tuesday showers and thunderstorms will enter the forecast. Tuesday and Wednesday’s showers and storms will be scattered, primarily developing in the early to mid afternoon and dissipating as the sun sets.

Thursday is more questionable as the front approaches. More widespread and possibly heavy rain will be possible, but the timing is uncertain. The rain may fall during the day on Thursday, or it may wait until Thursday night and early Friday. Either way, while severe weather is not anticipated, locally excessive rain could present a problem, especially if a given location gets hit with thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday as well.

Follow Meteorologist Drew Montreuil:
Meteorologist Drew Montreuil has been forecasting the weather in the Finger Lakes region since 2006 and has degrees in meteorology from SUNY Oswego (B.S. with Honors) and Cornell (M.S.). Drew and his wife have four young boys. When not working or playing with the boys, he is probably out for a run through the countryside.