Second cold front Thursday sets up chilly Friday

Low Pressure Pulls Away

An area of low pressure that developed along yesterday’s cold front is centered near Boston this morning.

As explained in my late afternoon update yesterday, this track ended up further east than expected, which in turn removed the heavy snow threat from our region. Instead, a general dusting to two inches fell, as the pivoted forecast called for.

The steady snow is now east of the region and some sunshine is out across the western half of the Finger Lakes. Poised to the north is another cold front, though, which is spinning southward on the backside of the low.

By the midday hours, this front will start to push into the Finger Lakes. Accompanying the front will be snow showers and a few squalls. The snow may come down hard for a brief period, but with temperatures in the mid or even upper 30s, no accumulation is expected through most of the afternoon.

The squalls will work south through the afternoon, possibly with multiple rounds of snow for some locations. By the early evening, the squall activity should diminish, with just a few stray flurries lingering overnight.

Temperatures will lose a couple degrees with the frontal passage this afternoon, but the drop will not be as dramatic as yesterday’s cold front. Pockets of low 30s by the late afternoon could lead to a late dusting of snow for a few select areas.

Northwest winds will be blustery today, with speeds around 15 mph and gusts of 25-35 mph. The southern half of the region will the best shot at seeing the higher gusts over 30 mph.

Nighttime temperatures will then drop into the low and mid 20s. Upper teens are likely in the western Southern Tier, mainly across Allegany and western Steuben counties.

Any lingering early clouds will depart Friday morning to the southeast. Much of the day will therefore be clear and sunny. Northwest winds will continue to blow with speeds and gusts similar to today. These winds will ensure it is a chilly day, with highs in the low and mid 30s.

Back to Spring

Friday night, winds will gradually turn to the west, then southwest as high pressure slides into the Mid-Atlantic. Temperatures will initially drop into the low and mid 20s Friday evening, then will hold steady through the overnight.

Saturday will start out sunny, but some clouds will build in for the afternoon. The sun may still be able to penetrate the cloud cover somewhat.

Temperatures will rebound back towards the seasonal average, with highs in the mid and upper 40s. A few places along I-90 between Rochester and Syracuse may hit 50 degrees.

Saturday night won’t be as cold, with overnight temperatures in the low and mid 30s. Cloud will persist, and a stray shower or flurry cannot be ruled out. By Sunday morning, skies should be clearing once again.

Easter Sunday therefore looks more sunny than not. Warmer air will continue to build in, with highs ranging through the mid and upper 50s. A few places could even hit 60 degrees.

Monday likewise will be sunny, dry, and mild, with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s. Tuesday may be able to add on another degree or two, but some rain will be possible in the afternoon.

Beyond that, the chances for rain are harder to identify, but temperatures should generally remain in the 50s.

More Information:

» Finger Lakes Weather Radar

» Finger Lakes Weather Radar

» Zip Code Forecasts

» Your Forecast

This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected.

Stay Updated With Email Alerts

Get the latest forecasts delivered to your inbox automatically. This is the best way to ensure you are always seeing the newest information. Subscribing is easy, free, and secure. 

Name

Email

Zip Code

HP