Clouds Slowly Pull East
A slow moving storm system will gradually pull out of the Finger Lakes today, resulting in an increase in sunshine.
For western parts of the Finger Lakes, this transition to sunshine has already occurred. Meanwhile, a few flurries still linger across eastern areas this morning.
Precipitation should end for these eastern areas by mid-morning with sunshine spreading east.
For areas east of Cayuga Lake, the clearing may not occur until the afternoon. Everyone should see the sun before the end of the day.
Temperatures will be warmest for the northwestern Finger Lakes, where upper 50s will be possible. Where the clouds linger into the afternoon, low 50s are expected.
Elevated Fire Danger
The brush fire risk will once again be elevated today.
Relative humidity values will drop below 40% today, which will help keep dead vegetation dry and easily burnable.
Northwest winds will gust between 30-35 mph. This will promote rapid spreading of any fires that do get started.
The statewide ban on open burning continues for a couple of more weeks through May 14th.
Beside brush burning, fires can easily be ignited from other sources, including wayward cigarette butts.
Winter to Summer
A classic flip-flop from wintry weather to a taste of summer will unfold over the next 24-48 hours.
High pressure will build into the Southeastern United States, causing a surge of warm air to move north.
While it is snowing this morning, most areas should be well into the 70s on Tuesday.
Even warmer temperatures will move in for Wednesday, with highs possibly approaching 80 degrees in some areas.
By Thursday and Friday, with temperatures still well above normal, we could have some scattered thunderstorms in the area.
Robert and Judy Maestas
Thank you for the accuracy of your forecasts. You seem to be the one who is “right on.”