Snow & Wind Friday
The weather will seem more like mid-winter on Friday as a snowy, windy day unfolds across the region.
The nor’easter that rode up the east coast Wednesday and Thursday has drifted west and weakened. As of this morning, it was centered just across the International Border north of New England.
Moisture wrapping around the low has brought a spray of snow into the Finger Lakes. Most of the snow is light so far, as temperatures aloft are barely cold enough to elicit any extra snow off of the Great Lakes.
A general coating to an inch or two should fall through the morning hours with the highest amounts over higher elevations and close to Lake Ontario.
The snow may break up into just some scattered flurries during lunchtime, but should then transition over to some lake enhanced squalls for the afternoon.
These squalls are most likely across Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Onondaga, and northern Cortland counties.
It does not appear that the squalls will stay in one place for a long time, so be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the afternoon. The transient nature of the snow bands will also keep snow totals in check, though.
Much of the lake effect will shift north overnight with just lighter snow showers in the aforementioned areas lingering well into Saturday.
Outside of these areas, some on and off snow showers will be possible, but with little to no additional accumulation.
In addition to the snow, it will also be fairly windy today with west-northwest gusts of 30-35 mph. Watch for areas of blowing and drifting snow.
Overall, travel conditions will be manageable, but worthy of budgeting some extra time for decreased speeds.
Temperatures today will mostly reach the mid 30s, which will help road crews keep the main roads in decent shape.
Weekend Weather Forecast
After moving north Friday night, lake effect should come back south into the Finger Lakes on Saturday. However, the snow will be disorganized and weak, with little if any additional accumulations.
The snow will be most likely in the morning before it gradually dissipates through the afternoon hours.
The wind will remain breezy with top gusts of 25-30 mph from the west-northwest. Rural areas prone to drifting will likely continue to see some sloppy travel conditions as a result.
Temperatures will start the day in the low and mid 20s and will climb to the low and mid 30s during the afternoon.
Conditions will continue to settle down for Sunday, with only a stray flurry here and there and lighter winds.
A little sun may peek out from time to time, but most of the day will likely be cloudy.
Sunday morning lows will be around 20 degrees with highs again in the low and mid 30s.
Next Week Preview
Our cool, wintry pattern will continue next week.
Already, hype has been buzzing about another storm. This is 98% hype at this point with only a very, very low threat that is unlikely to materialize.
Instead, expect some snow showers Monday night into Tuesday, with some light, disorganized lake effect Wednesday and Thursday.
Temperatures will continue to hover in the low and mid 30s, except for Wednesday, which may only have highs in the 20s.
The temperatures by now should be pushing 40 degrees on a normal day.
A brief warm-up continues to look possible towards next weekend with warmer weather.
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