Behind the Front
A cold front moved through the Finger Lakes yesterday, setting us up for much cooler weather to start the weekend.
Clouds and a few spits of drizzle are still locked in place behind the front. An incoming high pressure system should help clear us out this morning.
The clouds will break up gradually this morning, with mostly clear skies expected for the afternoon.
Winds will be from the north at 5-10 mph with gusts of 20-25 mph. These winds will continue to import cool air, with highs this afternoon mostly in the mid 60s. Areas along the shore of Lake Ontario may only see low 60s, while the Southern Tier from Binghamton to Bath may sneak into the upper 60s.
Clear skies and light winds tonight will be perfect for radiational cooling. Temperatures will quickly fall back into the 50s this evening. Overnight lows will reach the mid or even low 40s in the Southern Tier into Cortland County. Areas closer to the lakes will stick to the upper 40s and low 50s.
By dawn Saturday, some thin clouds will work in from the west while winds turn to the southeast. Wind speeds tomorrow will be similar to or just a touch stronger than today.
Thin clouds will mix with sunshine throughout the day and no rain is expected. The area from Rochester to near Penn Yan will top out close to 80 degrees, but most of the Finger Lakes will settle for mid 70s.
A Chance for Rain
Winds will become a bit more southerly Saturday night and may strengthen slightly. Thin clouds will continue throughout the night.
Sunday morning’s lows will range from the low 60s in the Rochester area to the low 50s south and east of Ithaca. Most areas will be in the mid and upper 50s.
The wind will increase further once the sun is up with gusts approaching 40 mph, especially over higher elevations. Gusty winds will continue until the mid-afternoon, when gusts will drop back to the 20-30 mph range.
Another front will push through the region, bringing a chance for some rain. Most areas should see at least a tenth of an inch, with locally between a quarter and half inch falling. A few isolated locations, however, may mostly end up missed.
The best chances for rain on Sunday will come during the midday and early afternoon hours. A rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out completely. Highs in the mid 70s are possible ahead of the front, but much of the afternoon will be closer to or below 70 degrees.
Like today, Monday will start out cloudy before sunshine takes over later in the day. Winds will be from the north-northwest and a few early lake effect rain showers may be possible. Highs on Monday will be in the mid 60s.
A clear, cold night is expected Monday night. Morning lows Tuesday should be lower than they will be tomorrow morning and I would not be surprised to see a few upper 30s in the cold pockets of the Southern Tier.
Sunshine will be abundant Tuesday and Wednesday before thin clouds work in for Thursday. Temperatures will remain cool Tuesday with mid 60s for highs, but Wednesday should jump into the 70s with 80s possible by Thursday.
Another front will then move through on Friday, setting up even cooler weather next weekend.
