Lake Effect Snow
Widespread light snow continues across the Finger Lakes as we reside on the fringe edge of a larger area of unsettled weather.
While the primary low of this weather complex resides off the coast of the Carolinas this morning, a secondary, much weaker low resides near Buffalo.
The main impact this ill-defined area of lower pressure will have will be to continue light snow showers in our region, but also to give temperatures a slight boost thanks to light south winds ahead of the feature.
Temperatures should make it into the low and even mid 30s for a time this afternoon after working through the 20s this morning. The rising temperatures and light nature of the snow mean additional accumulations today will be minor and mostly confined to the morning hours.
Winds will turn to the west, then northwest, as the low pressure slides east and cooler air will start to filter back into the region. The widespread snow will end, but some lake effect snow will develop in its wake.
The models best suited for lake effect show disorganized flurries and squalls this evening and through the night. Conditions become a bit better for lake effect on Saturday, and a more defined band should try to develop over the northern and northeastern Finger Lakes.
Even still, temperatures will only be moderately cold, and winds will continue to shift just enough to disrupt a prolonged lake effect event for any given location.
This also makes pinpointing the areas of heaviest snow nearly impossible. Given the uncertainties, the National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches for the northern and northeastern Finger Lakes. These will be changed to warnings or advisories in time, but the fact that they are still watches is indicative of the uncertainty.
Most areas should see at least a couple periods of lake effect snow tonight through Saturday. These may come in bursts that will bring briefly poor travel conditions and a quick inch of accumulation.
The best chance for two or more inches tonight will be from Wayne to Onondaga county. I think the chances for any location seeing over four inches tonight is low.
During the day Saturday, the snow should focus a bit further south, heading into central and southern Cayuga county and northern Cortland County. Wayne county will continue to see snow as well. Locally an additional 4-6 inches may be possible, but most areas will probably see 1-3 inches.
This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected. Click to enlarge.
Turning a Corner
High temperatures Saturday will end up in the mid 20s. This may be the coldest high temperatures we see for the near future.
Lake effect will taper off Saturday evening, and by Sunday morning, most of the region should be sunny. A light south wind will team up with the sunshine to push temperatures back into the low 30s Sunday afternoon.
Mid 30s are possible on Monday after a morning warm front moves through. This front will likely have a burst of snow with it, which could make travel a bit delayed Monday morning.
Another system will bring some snow and rain showers on Tuesday with highs in the mid 30s. Wednesday looks dry with some sunshine and highs pushing into the 40s.
Temperatures may retreat some Thursday and Friday with highs in the 30s. A stronger weather system may be possible late next weekend with wind, rain, and warmer temperatures. A generally milder pattern should persist into early March.
More Information:
» Finger Lakes Weather Radar
» Zip Code Forecasts
Finger Lakes Weather offers prime advertising positions to local businesses to help fund its operations. With over 600,000 views annually, Finger Lakes Weather is a great option for getting known in the Finger Lakes while simultaneously helping a good cause. Long-term advertisers, very small businesses, and non-profit organizations enjoy discounts to make advertising even more affordable. There are no complicated algorithms to crack or confusing behind-the-scenes auctions. The process is simple, too. Just send along your ad image, or have an ad created for you. The ad can then be linked to your website, Facebook page, or wherever you’d like. Images can be changed as often as you like, too. Advertising on Finger Lakes Weather is a winning proposal for everyone. Your business gets guaranteed local exposure. The Finger Lakes continues to get reliable, accurate weather information. FLX Weather gets the financial support it needs to continue and grow. Fill out the form in the green box for more information!
This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected. Invest in Your Local Business
