Fog and drizzle early, rain and wind tonight

finger lakes weather forecast thursday february 7 2019 ice freezing drizzle fog rain wind thunder flooding
Areas of fog, drizzle, and freezing drizzle are widespread through the Finger Lakes Thursday morning. Tonight, rain, wind, and even thunder will move in. [Photo by Joan Lockwood]

Ice, Flooding, and Wind Concerns

A large storm system will approach the Finger Lakes tonight, but even well before the system arrives, some hazardous weather is ongoing in the region.

Areas of dense fog, drizzle, and freezing drizzle are commonplace across the Finger Lakes this morning.

Temperatures range from the mid and upper 30s across the Southern Tier and eastern Finger Lakes to the upper 20s near Lake Ontario.

Northwestern areas that are below freezing are at risk for some slick surfaces this morning as the fog and drizzle freezes on surfaces and turns to ice. There is no threat for ice in the warmer areas, but dense fog will keep visibility low.

The fog and drizzle should gradually dissipate late this morning into the early afternoon. A couple glimpses of sunshine may be possible.

Temperatures will warm well into the 40s with a few southern places reaching 50 degrees.

Rain will arrive this evening and winds will increase dramatically from the south. Gusts of 40-45 mph will be possible.

The rain will be widespread, but mostly light to moderate. A few heavier downpours are likely though as some thunder develops. These downpours could lead to an inch of rain falling, which may lead to some localized flooding concerns.

Rain will end by dawn Friday with temperatures remaining in the 40s throughout the night.

The wind will turn to the southwest, then west on Friday and remain strong. Gusts of 40-50 mph will be possible from Canandaigua westward, with 35-45 mph gusts to the east.

Very little precipitation is expected Friday with just a couple stray snow showers possible. Temperatures will fall throughout the day, ending up in the 20s by the late afternoon.

Weekend Weather and Beyond

Saturday will continue to be blustery, especially during the morning hours. Wind should back off some during the afternoon before dropping significantly after sunset.

The day will start cloudy with a couple more snow showers southeast of Lake Ontario. The sun should come out during the afternoon.

Temperatures will only reach the low and mid 20s, and with the wind, it will feel like the teens throughout the day.

Some clouds will work in Saturday night and linger through Sunday. No precipitation is expected though. Temperatures will start in the teens and rise to around 30 degrees.

Monday should likewise be rather cloudy but mostly dry. Nothing more than a stray flurry will be possible. Temperatures will be a couple degrees warmer than Sunday.

A new system will approach the region on Tuesday. Precipitation at this time looks light, but the set up is also favorable for freezing rain during the afternoon and evening. This will be something to watch over the weekend.

The rest of next week looks quiet with typical February temperatures. Most days should see highs in the 20s or 30s.

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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.