Cold Front
A major shift in the weather pattern is about to take place across our region, beginning with the passage of a cold front today.
The front that is still to come through the area later today is not the same front that has been parked over the region for the last couple of days. That front moved east overnight as an area of low pressure developed along it, bringing some downpours to parts of the region.
All of that activity is now off to the east this morning, placing the Finger Lakes in a lull between the fronts. Overall, the morning and even early afternoon hours should be pretty quiet. Some sunshine should even mix with the clouds, and it may become rather sunny at times.
However, northwest winds will quickly increase this morning, reaching speeds of 10-15 mph by midday and continuing into the afternoon. A few wind gusts to 30 mph will be possible. These winds will ensure cool air dominates today, despite any sunshine.
Temperatures will be in the upper 60s and low 70s this afternoon with dewpoints falling through the 50s.
During the second half of the afternoon, clouds and the chances for scattered showers will increase as the final front moves into the area.
The rain is not expected to be heavy, and it may simply turn out drizzly at times. Scattered showers and drizzle will continue through the evening hours.
Dry air will move in overnight and skies will gradually clear. Temperatures will take advantage of the clearing skies and reach the low 50s for many areas. Upper 40s are likely across Cortland County and surrounding areas, as well as throughout the western Southern Tier.
Dry Weather Pattern
High pressure will move into the Great Lakes region and become the dominant feature in our weather.
Skies will be mostly sunny throughout Thursday. With the high centered over Michigan to our due west, we can expect a cool north wind to blow. Wind speeds will be lower than today, but steady nonetheless.
High temperatures on Thursday will be a degree or two cooler than today. That means most places will be near or below 70 degrees.
It is also worth noting that this high pressure will block the northward progression of Hurricane Idalia. This major hurricane is making landfall this morning in Florida and is expected to produce a catastrophic storm surge.
It is always sobering to watch these situations unfold and my thoughts and prayers go out to all in the path of Idalia.
By Friday, Idalia will be well out over the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the Carolinas, and high pressure will strengthen as it moves overhead.
Clear skies and calm winds will send temperatures down for Friday morning with lows just staying at or above 50 degrees near the lakes and across the northern plains, while the southern half of the region falls to the mid 40s.
Winds will stay nearly calm on Friday and skies will be fully sunny. The loss of the north wind should result in highs bouncing back to the mid 70s.
A weak front will move through on Saturday with an increase in clouds. A stray spit of rain cannot be totally ruled out, but the majority of the region should remain dry. Temperatures will jump to the low 80s thanks to a south wind.
Beyond Saturday, it is looking dry and hot as high pressure remains entrenched along the Eastern Seaboard.
Highs on Sunday should push into the mid 80s while Monday will reach the upper 80s. Tuesday and Wednesday will be at least equally hot, and there will likely be pockets that hit 90 degrees on any of those three days.
Sunshine will be abundant as well with no chances for rain. Humidity will be on the rise with dewpoints generally in the 60s.
By next Thursday, the heat will start to loosen its grip as another high pressure moves in from the northwest. This should disrupt the southerly flow of hot air, with temperatures likely returning to 70s by next weekend.
With this transition will come some chances for rain, starting around Friday and continuing through the weekend.
More Information:
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This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected. Stay Updated With Email Alerts
