Storm System Brings Rain, Wind
A storm system producing blizzard conditions across the Plains will bring warm air and rain into the Finger Lakes.
As of early Thursday morning, precipitation from this storm system was still far away, spreading through the Midwest and into the Mississippi Valley.
Locally, a stalled out frontal boundary exists just south of the region while a cold Canadian high is situated to the north.
The front should keep at least some scattered clouds around the area while the high pressure will ensure it does not get too warm today.
Temperatures will rise through the 20s this morning and into the mid and upper 30s this afternoon. A few places in the Southern Tier or Western New York could reach 40 degrees late.
No precipitation is expected during the day today as clouds steadily increase.
Precipitation will move in late this evening around midnight. Most areas should see all rain, but a few pockets of ice will be possible at the onset in Central New York. These areas, too, will quickly turn to rain.
Rain will continue through the night and into the first part of Friday morning. Much of the late morning and afternoon on Friday will have on and off showers. A few showers Friday night will eventually turn over to flurries by Saturday morning.
Little to no snow accumulation is expected, but around three-quarters of an inch of rain is possible.
Temperatures will rise into the low 40s tonight and then shoot towards 50 degrees Friday afternoon. Areas in and around Rochester could make a run at 55 degrees. By Saturday morning, temperatures will drop into the upper 30s with upper 20s by the late afternoon.
Winds will increase substantially after midnight tonight, especially over higher elevations. Gusts of 40 mph will be possible through the midday hours on Friday. Winds will let up some Friday afternoon and evening, only to increase again for Saturday. Widespread gusts over 30 mph will be possible then.
Friday’s winds will come from the south and Saturday’s will be from the west, then northwest.
More up and Down Weather
Winds will turn back to the south on Sunday and the sun should shine. This will take the edge off what would otherwise have been a chilly day. Look for highs to get into the low or even mid 30s.
Clouds will increase Monday as temperatures push towards 40 degrees. Another batch of rain will move in for the evening, making for a soggy New Year’s Eve. 2019 will be rung in with temperatures in the low 40s, but New Year’s Day will see temperatures falling through the 30s.
Temperatures bottom out on Wednesday with highs in the 20s, only to rise again late in the week.
Snow continues to look scarce across the region with only minor chances for light accumulations in the foreseeable future. With the expected warm-ups and rain, much of the region will see more time without snow on the ground.
Call for Weather Pictures
Finger Lakes Weather is in constant need of local weather pictures to use with the daily blog posts and other graphics. In particular, I am in need of pictures from winter where there is little to no snow on the ground, winter rain, and pictures of sunny winter days. Pictures of all weather types from any season are gratefully accepted at any time, though!
Click/tap the banner below to learn more about submitting your weather pictures!
