Hype Machine Out of Control
An area of low pressure moving out of the Ohio Valley this morning will strengthen off the New England Coast, and has already caused more sensationalism than it will actual snowfall.
This morning, the leading edge of the clouds are starting to work into the Finger Lakes. The sunshine early today will gradually be replaced by clouds with overcast skies by the afternoon.
Temperatures will peak in the mid 40s late this morning and early in the afternoon before they start to retreat. By the mid and late afternoon, temperatures will be in the mid and upper 30s.
About this time, precipitation on the northern edge of the system will start to move in. This will likely start as snow, though a little rain may mix in at first. The snow will fall for a few hours before quickly moving east this evening.
As a general rule, the further south and east, the better the chance for steady light snow. Areas close to Lake Ontario may only see a couple flakes, while the hilltops of the Southern Tier and Central New York could see an inch accumulate.
Snow showers will flare up again on Saturday behind the system, possibly with a few brief bursts. Again, little to no accumulation is expected, except perhaps over a few higher elevations.
Winds Saturday will gust over 40 mph from the northwest with highs ranging from the mid 30s to the low 40s.
This system has been severely over-hyped with the media carelessly throwing all their favorite winter hype terms around. Polar Vortex. Bomb Cyclone. Historic May Snowstorm. Winter hurricane, even.
In reality, as this system strengthens, it will drop a couple of inches of snow in the mountains of New England. Northern Maine will see widespread light accumulations, where the only alerts for snowfall are in effect as lesser Winter Weather Advisories.
The highest impact this storm will have will be strong winds and beach erosion along the New England coast, a common occurrence with coastal lows.
The fever pitch of hype is completely unnecessary and nothing but a desperate grab at fear-induce viewership that degrades public trust. Please, do not click such stories and fight hype by informing your friends and family of truthful, no hype sources like Finger Lakes Weather and the National Weather Service.
Pattern Flip Coming?
For several days behind this system, our weather pattern will remain as it has for several weeks.
Temperatures Sunday-Wednesday will remain far below normal, with highs generally in the 40s.
Sunday will be rather cloudy as a new, weak system slides in from the west. A few late day rain showers will be possible. The rain will continue Sunday night and into early Monday before tapering off.
High temperatures Sunday will be in the upper 40s while Monday reaches the mid 40s.
Tuesday will also be in the mid 40s with a mix of sun and clouds. Morning lows will be near 30 degrees. Some areas will probably reach the upper 20s. Similar temperatures should also be expected Wednesday morning.
Wednesday looks sunny, though a few late day clouds are likely. Highs have a chance to sneak just above 50 degrees.
A new weather system will move in for Thursday with rain and temperatures pushing well into the 50s.
On the other side of this system, warm temperatures are more likely. Highs will be in the 60s and possibly 70s, and I would not be surprised to see our first 80 degree weather before too long.
The Importance of FLX Weather
Time and again, the media whips up a frenzy over nothing in the weather. In the last week or two, we have seen absurd amounts of hype from both the local and national media.
Finger Lakes Weather remains fully committed to fighting the culture of hype by forecasting with HONESTY, ACCURACY, and ACCESSIBILITY, my three core values.
However, like the overwhelming majority of you, COVID-19 has had a noticeable impact. Numerous donors have understandably had to pause or cancel their payments. Advertisers have not been able to renew. Even some of my business clients may not be able to continue operating as they have.
I had planned to hold my annual Fund Drive in late March or early April. The focus of this fund drive was supposed to be to raise the funds needed to complete my mobile app, which is very close to being done. However, with Finger Lakes Weather’s budget “in the red”, the app will continue to be put off.
If you are fortunate enough to have not been impacted financially by COVID-19, please consider a monthly or one time donation to Finger Lakes Weather, picking up the torch from those that have had to set it down. This will ensure without a doubt that this valuable service will continue.
If you cannot help financially, I would simply ask that you continue to strongly promote Finger Lakes Weather in your conversations, social media posts, and by frequently visiting my website.
If you have ideas for improvements I can make, please, let me know. Thank you for your continued support of Local Weather!
