Unsettled, mild weather Tuesday & Wednesday

The Finger Lakes will have to dodge numerous showers in order to enjoy the warm weather Tuesday and Wednesday.

When Will it Rain?

An unsettled weather pattern will unfold over the next 48 hours as a strong storm system moves into the Finger Lakes region from the west. This large system will come in waves, meaning some time periods will have a better chance for rain than others.

Already this morning, a batch of showers moved through the Finger Lakes before the sun was up. These showers are now moving east away from the region. There is a gap between those showers and the next batch of rain, which will arrive this afternoon. The sun should even poke out for a time this morning during this break.

Showers will start to increase in coverage again after 3 pm.The showers will be on and off, but most areas should see at least a bit of rain late this afternoon. The rain will probably lessen to some isolated light showers, drizzle, and fog after 8 pm.

Periods of rain will move back in tomorrow morning, possibly followed by a midday break and then more afternoon showers. A few rumbles of thunder cannot be ruled out on Wednesday as well, but I am skeptical that any strong to severe thunderstorms will be able to develop.

A little snow will work in on Wednesday night as colder air wraps around the back side of the final piece of the storm system. A coating to perhaps an inch may fall by Thursday morning.

How Warm for How Long?

Temperatures will remain above normal until the final piece of the storm moves through later Wednesday afternoon or evening. Despite the rain and clouds, it will get quite warm across the Finger Lakes once again.

Morning temperatures are mostly in the 30s across the Finger Lakes today, but warmer air is moving in from the southwest.

High temperatures this afternoon should reach the mid and upper 50s across all of the Finger Lakes and surrounding areas, especially if with the sun this morning.

Clouds, showers and a gusty south wind will keep temperatures from falling much this evening. Temperatures may initially drop back to around 50 degrees but should rise back towards the mid 50s by daybreak Wednesday.

High temperatures on Wednesday should push into the 60s, with some places reaching the mid and upper 60s.

The warm weather Wednesday will linger into the early evening hours but will drop as a cold front moves through. By Thursday morning, temperatures should be in the mid 20s. Look for highs near or just above 30 degrees Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Final Notes

The wind will become rather gusty across the Finger Lakes as this storm system passes through. Winds will build this afternoon with a few gusts over 30 mph possible. The wind will continue overnight before strengthening for Wednesday.

The strongest winds on Wednesday will be just northwest of the Finger Lakes across the Niagara Frontier, but much of the Finger Lakes will have a chance for gusts over 40 mph.

Strong winds gusts will persist Wednesday night and into Thursday and will only slowly taper off. Finally, the wind should lessen substantially Thursday evening.

Finally, today is an exciting day for Finger Lakes Weather. This afternoon, I will be a podcast guest for FingerLakes1.com, and this evening, I will be at the Cortland Beer Company for Science and Suds to present a new talk on weather forecasting in the Finger lakes during the 21st Century. If you are in the area, it should be great fun! The talk starts at 7 pm.

If you would like to host an educational presentation, please head over to my outreach page and fill out the form!