Rain, wind, and thunder Tuesday

finger lakes weather forecast tuesday august 21 2018 rain wind thunderstorms
An approaching cold front will bring rain, wind, and some thunder to the Finger Lakes on Tuesday. [Photo by Alyssa Johnson]

Windy Storm System Tuesday-Wednesday

Winds are already picking up early Tuesday as low pressure tracks across the southern Great Lakes on a path towards northern New York.

The wind should continue to increase this morning with afternoon gusts between 30-35 mph for most areas while higher elevations gust to 40 mph.

The wind will start from the southeast this morning, but will gradually turn to a more south or even southwest direction.

As the low continues northeast, showers and some thunderstorms will move from southwest to northeast into the region.

With all of the wind energy in the atmosphere and the still soggy ground, there is some concern for wind damage in any thunderstorms that do develop. While I think the severe weather threat is greater across Pennsylvania, there will be a chance for some sporadic wind damage in the Finger Lakes as well, both in and outside of thunderstorms.

Rain seems most likely from the midday hours through the mid-afternoon, and then again during the evening. Thunderstorms will be possible during both times with some locally heavier downpours. Most areas will see less than a half-inch of rain though.

Overall, the severe thunderstorm and flash flood risks both seem minimal at this time. With plenty of cloud cover already in place, I do not see much of a path for a significant change for the worse.

Be weather wise today, but for the most part, it will just be a breezy, rainy day.

Showers will persist into the overnight period as well, with the cold front finally pushing through Wednesday morning. Gusty winds will continue on Wednesday from the northwest with more widespread 30-35 mph gusts.

A little sun may work out late, but it will overall be a cloudy, cool, windy day.

Nice End to the Week

High pressure will work into the region for the end of the week, bringing near perfect weather to the Finger Lakes.

Thursday should end up being a sunny day, with a little morning fog and some afternoon fair weather clouds.

Winds will drop somewhat, but will still gust over 20 mph at times. The wind direction will continue to be from the northwest.

Humidity levels will very low and high temperatures will reach the low to perhaps mid 70s.

Friday will see the winds drop further and the temperatures rise with highs near 80 degrees. Humidity levels will continue to remain low, however.

The weekend is a bit less certain but is trending drier. A couple showers may work in along a warm front Saturday, setting the stage for mid and upper 80s and dewpoints near 70 degrees on Sunday.

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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.