Warmest day yet in 2015 kicks off a week of nice weather

Southerly winds will push temperatures into the 70s across the Finger Lakes today. Even though a cold front moves through tonight, most of the week will be warmer than average with few other chances for rain.
Southerly winds will push temperatures into the 70s across the Finger Lakes today. Even though a cold front moves through tonight, most of the week will be warmer than average with few other chances for rain.

The Finger Lakes will start off the week with the warmest weather so far this year as highs push intothe 70s all across the region this afternoon.

Southerly winds have set up between high pressure over the western Atlantic and a cold front moving through the Midwest this morning. Morning lows in the 40s and 50s have gotten us off to a great start, and some breaks in the cloud cover will only help heat things up.

In fact, as the cold front approaches this evening, a few thunderstorms may develop from northern Ohio into western New York. These storms could have some small hail or strong winds. The winds will be gusty even outside of any thunderstorms though.

Showers and a few rumbles of thunder will cross the region after dark, but mostly before midnight tonight as the cold front pushes through.

High pressure will build in for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with dry conditions all three days. Wednesday will be the sunniest, though some sun later Tuesday and early Thursday are possible as well. Highs will be in the low 60s Tuesday, upper 50s Wednesday and mid to upper 60s on Thursday- all near or above average.

A few showers and maybe a thunderstorm will be possible on Friday, with a couple more showers from a separate system on Saturday. Both days will remain mild, with highs in the low 60s both days. Sunday, as it stands right now, looks a little cooler, but sunny.

All in all, this should be a great week for spring cleaning and drying out after the snowmelt and heavy rain last week. Just keep in mind that this is the time of year that brushfires are most likely in our region. Dead vegetation from last year dries out quickly and is perfect fuel for brushfires.

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.