More Dismal Weather Ahead
Lake effect snow in the wake of Wednesday’s wind storm will taper off, but widespread snow will move in early Friday followed by some very cold weekend temperatures.
Areas of lake effect snow are scattered about the Finger Lakes this morning. A particularly heavy squall with reduced visibilities and a quick inch or two of accumulation extends from Rochester to Syracuse as of 7 am.
This band should meander around the northern Finger Lakes through the morning hours with lighter snows elsewhere.
Be sure to check the Radar Page for the latest up to the minute positioning of the lake effect band.
During this afternoon, winds will start to turn back towards the southwest, bringing the lake effect to an end and resulting in some sunshine before the day is over.
Temperatures will be very cold though, with highs in the low to mid 30s. Winds will not be nearly as strong as yesterday, but will still gust between 30-35 mph, making it feel like the 20s.
Clouds will thicken overnight and an area of widespread snow will move in for Friday morning. A slushy inch or so may fall, reducing visibilities and making for a few slick spots during the morning commute.
Temperatures will briefly rise into the mid and upper 40s during the afternoon behind the snow, which may end as a little rain.
Unfortunately, the wind will pick up again during the late morning and afternoon hours on Friday. Look for wind gusts mostly in the 40-45 mph range.
Cold Weekend Weather
Winds will swing back to the northwest by Saturday as Friday’s system departs and a second storm system passes through the Mid-Atlantic.
Thankfully, that system should remain well to our south, with just some thin clouds to filter the sunshine on Saturday. No snow from this system is expected.
Saturday’s winds will gust to 30 mph at times, keeping temperatures well below normal. Like today, high temperatures will only be in the low to mid 30s with wind chills in the 20s.
Some lake effect snow will develop after midnight Saturday night and should persist into Sunday morning. Also like today, most areas will not see much accumulation, but a few localized squalls could put down a quick inch or so.
Skies should become sunny during the afternoon as winds become less favorable for lake effect. The winds will, of course, be gusty, with top gusts around 35 mph.
Temperatures Sunday will be no better than Saturday, with more low and mid 30s.
A Transition In Sight?
Next week may end up being a week of transition. Though the end result will be what we have all been waiting for, getting there may not be the most fun.
After a sunny start, clouds will increase on Monday. Snow showers will move in during the evening, possibly mixing with some rain at times.
High temperatures on Monday should reach the low 40s.
Some sort of mix of rain and/or snow will settle in for both Tuesday and Wednesday. Accumulating snow is not off the table, but it is too early and too close of a call with the temperatures to have any confidence whatsoever.
Regardless, both Tuesday and Wednesday should be damp, raw days with highs struggling to get past 40 degrees.
Finally, late next week and next weekend, we will get the taste of Spring we have been waiting for.
Temperatures will rise quickly, with highs near normal in the low 50s on Thursday and 60s likely on Friday and Saturday. Things could get even warmer than that, but we should get closer to next weekend before counting on that too much.
Temperatures should stick near normal for the middle of the month.
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Next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, i will be hosting a fund-drive to propel Finger Lakes Weather into the future. As part of this campaign, I will be giving three live-stream video presentations during the evening. On Monday, I will discuss the past, present, & future of Finger Lakes Weather. Tuesday I will talk about Tornadoes in New York, and Wednesday will be the Final Push to fund Finger Lakes Weather with a live-call in show with your FLX Weather stories and reviews! Click the banner above to RSVP to my Facebook Event. No Facebook? Jot yourself a note to save the dates — you won’t want to miss this!
