Cold, snowy weekend sets up likely White Christmas

finger lakes weather forecast friday december 20 2024 snow falls on a snow covered road winding through the woods
Snow will fall throughout Friday and Saturday before winding down Sunday morning with cold temperatures bottoming out Sunday and Sunday night. [Photo by Gwen Moshier]

Wintry Weekend Weather

An area of low pressure will pass to our south today, spreading snow throughout the region.

Light but steady snow will overspread the Finger Lakes region through the morning hours and persist throughout the day.

There may be some lulls in the snow at times, or some heavier patches.

For the most part, the snow during the daytime hours today should have only minor impacts. A few rural roads may get a little slick, but main roads should be easily treatable and stay in decent shape.

Temperatures will top out around the freezing mark this afternoon and winds will stay light.

Tonight, the low will be absorbed into a new low developing off the Mid-Atlantic coast. This process will turn our winds to the north-northwest and increase them. By sunrise, wind speeds will be around 15 mph with gusts approaching 30 mph.

This will both bring in cold air and produce a spray of lake effect snow south of Lake Ontario.

There will be a seamless transition from the low pressure’s snow to the lake effect during the night tonight without any break.

Snow will be widespread throughout the northern two-thirds of the region throughout Saturday morning, with more on and off snow across the Southern Tier.

By Saturday afternoon, the lake effect should focus itself a bit more on Wayne County and areas east of Seneca Lake. However, Saturday night, the snow will expand westward again.

The snow will weaken Sunday morning and should mostly dissipate by Sunday afternoon.

Slow but steady accumulations will occur between Friday and Sunday morning, with the most intense snow coming Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday night.

Widespread amounts of 4-6 inches are possible anywhere north of the southern tips of the Finger Lakes. Lesser amounts are expected across the Southern Tier, while localized amounts of 8 or even 10 inches will be possible, especially across Wayne and northern Cayuga counties.

The wind will continue to be blustery throughout Saturday, causing areas of blowing and drifting. Lighter winds will take hold on Sunday.

Temperatures will change little during the day Saturday, starting out around 20 degrees and maxing out in the low 20s. Sunday will start with lows in the mid and upper single digits and low 10s. Afternoon highs will be in the mid and upper 10s.

finger lakes weather 7-day forecast fri dec 20 | fri, periods of snow low 30 | sat, lake effect snow breezy low 20 | sun, early snow showers mid 10 | mon, early sun increasing clouds upper 20 | tues, snow, mostly early mid 30 | wed, cloudy mid 30 | thur, sun and clouds mid 30
This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected. Click to enlarge.

Weather Next Week

Skies will gradually clear Sunday night as a light southerly wind develops, removing the lake influences from the area. It will be a cold night with lows well into the single digits.

Monday will start sunny with south winds increasing slightly. Temperatures will rise steadily from the cold start to a high in the upper 20s. Clouds will build in during the afternoon and some light snow may arrive during the evening hours.

Snow will fall Monday night into Tuesday morning, leaving a widespread 1-3 inches behind. Temperatures will rise to the mid 30s Tuesday afternoon with some lingering spits of rain or snow.

Christmas Eve looks quiet with lows in the mid 20s. This will lead into a quiet but cloudy Christmas Day on Wednesday with highs in the mid 30s. Between the snow this weekend and Tuesday morning, most areas should easily see a White Christmas.

Some sun may start to come out by Thursday with temperatures holding steady in the mid 30s.

The weather looks milder and perhaps a touch unsettled late next week and next weekend.

A few rain showers will be possible Friday with a slightly higher chance on Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures will rise to the upper 30s on Friday with low and mid 40s for the weekend. Highs should remain at least near 40 degrees through New Year’s.

More Information:

» Finger Lakes Weather Radar

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finger lakes weather 7-day forecast fri dec 20 | fri, periods of snow low 30 | sat, lake effect snow breezy low 20 | sun, early snow showers mid 10 | mon, early sun increasing clouds upper 20 | tues, snow, mostly early mid 30 | wed, cloudy mid 30 | thur, sun and clouds mid 30
This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected.

Follow Meteorologist Drew Montreuil:
Meteorologist Drew Montreuil has been forecasting the weather in the Finger Lakes region since 2006 and has degrees in meteorology from SUNY Oswego (B.S. with Honors) and Cornell (M.S.). Drew and his wife have four young boys. When not working or playing with the boys, he is probably out for a run through the countryside.

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