Cold pattern locks into place

At Least it is Sunny Today

High pressure will keep our region sunny today, but below average temperatures are locked in place for the long haul.

With the high situated north of the Upper Great Lakes, north and northwest winds will continue over the Finger Lakes today.

Temperatures will range from the mid 40s near Lake Ontario to the low 50s in the Southern Tier. Typical early May high temperatures are in the mid 60s.

Thin clouds will gradually work in and filter some of the sunshine, but it should not turn completely overcast today. The clouds will thicken some overnight, but frost and freeze conditions are still expected with lows in the low and mid 30s.

Wednesday will bring some light precipitation back into the Finger Lakes, mostly for the southern half of the region. Light rain showers be possible throughout the day, but in the early morning, some snow could mix in.

Temperatures will be split, with low 50s to the north where it remains dry, and low and mid 40s to the south where it is showery.

Thursday will start with some sun before clouds increase. Late day showers will be possible. Out ahead of this system, though, warm air will make small gains with highs in the mid 50s.

Challenging Records

Another system will move through on Friday, setting up the potential for record challenging cold.

Friday morning will start out dry, but precipitation will move in from the southwest during the afternoon. This may start as rain but should turn over to snow before sunset.

Snow will fall steadily Friday evening before tapering off overnight. With temperatures in the low 30s, some minor accumulation will be possible.

By Saturday morning, blustery northwest winds will be in place with temperatures ranging through the 20s.

Snow showers will continue throughout Saturday with winds gusting over 40 mph. Temperatures may only reach the mid 30s, which could threaten all-time record low maximum May temperatures.

Ithaca’s coldest May high temperature stands at 35 degrees, set in 1965. Geneva’s records only go back to 1969, with a record cold May high of 39 degrees, set in 1989. Rochester’s record is 38 degrees (1909) and Syracuse’s record is 36 (1911).

Winds will drop and temperatures will rise back to near 50 degrees on Sunday. A few late day showers will be possible, which will linger into Monday. High temperatures Monday will likely be in the 40s.

The cold air will stick around for Tuesday and Wednesday next week before the pattern changes and warmer air moves back in.