I am testing out another new feature for FLX Weather—a Weather Planner update posted the night before and focusing solely on the next day. This update is designed to especially give early risers a quick look at the day ahead so they can plan around the weather, but can be used the night before and throughout the day. This is the third post in this test series.
I still have some details to work out—graphics, formatting, etc. As always, your ideas and feedback are welcome! Today, it was super convenient to add a snow map for a graphic.
If you are looking for information beyond Thursday, you can check out the post from Wednesday morning, or wait for Thursday morning’s normal blog post.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Winter will return to the area for Thursday with widespread snow, some heavy, gusty winds, and cold temperatures.
As a general rule, the further northwest in the region, the more snow you can expect on Thursday. The snow will be heavier and steadier and less likely to end.
Meanwhile, the southeastern Finger Lakes may get into the “dry slot” of the system, which may drastically reduce snowfall rates, or even cause the snow to end for a time. This would likely coincide with the morning commute. The areas most likely to see a break in the snow, or at least a transition to light snow, are across portions of Chemung, Tioga, Tompkins, and Cortland counties, possibly extending into southern Cayuga County as well.
A slight shift in the dry slot westward could lead to lower amounts across the board, while a shift eastward could bring higher amounts into the eastern FLX. As a reminder, snow maps like this one are meant to be a general guide, but localized variations should not be surprising. Focus less on the exact amounts and more on the overall pattern and its impacts and use it in tandem with the forecasts below.
Many areas will see between one and two thirds of their expected snowfall by the early-morning hours Thursday, with the remainder coming over the course of the rest of the day.
Early Morning (3-7 AM)
Overcast skies. Maybe a brief glimpse of sun in the far southeastern FLX.
Widespread snow, heavy at times, except over the southeastern FLX, where it may taper off or even end for a time.
Highly variable winds. Strongest along the shore of Lake Ontario from the north at up to 15 mph, and across the NY-PA state line from the west up to 15 mph.
Temperatures falling to the low and mid 20s in the west to around 30 degrees in the east.
Morning (7-11 AM)
Overcast skies.
Widespread snow, mainly light to moderate. Areas that saw a break in the early morning will start to see snow return.
Mainly northwest winds at 10-15 mph, but still some southwest winds in the far southeastern FLX with similar speeds.
Temperatures continuing to fall, with upper 10s in the west and low to mid 20s across most of the FLX.
Midday (11 AM-1 PM)
Overcast skies.
Widespread snow, mainly light to moderate. Some parts of the Southern Tier may start to see some breaks in the snow.
Winds NW around 15 mph with a few gusts around 30 mph.
Temperatures most areas hovering a degree or two on either side of 20 degrees.
Afternoon (1-4 PM)
Overcast skies
Steady snow across the north and west. Intermittent snow to the south and east. Most snow light, except perhaps some locally heavier banding southeast of Lake Ontario in Wayne, northern Cayuga, and Onondaga counties.
Winds W around 15 mph except north of the Thruway, where they remain NW. A few gusts around 30 mph.
Temperatures sliding back to the mid and upper 10s.
Late Afternoon (4-6 PM)
Overcast skies
Steady generally light snow for many areas. Western areas may start to see some breaks in the snow. Locally heavier banding persists southeast of Lake Ontario, but pivots slightly to the north.
Winds W around 15 mph except north of the Thruway, where they remain NW. A few gusts around 30 mph.
Temperatures falling to the mid 10s for both, but with a few warmer and cooler pockets.
Evening (6-10 PM)
Overcast skies
Scattered snow showers and perhaps a localized heavier burst.
Winds NW at 10-15 mph.
Temperatures settling in the low and mid 10s.
Overnight (11 PM-3 AM)
Overcast skies
A few snow showers, mainly over the northeastern half of the region.
Winds NW 10-15 mph.
Temperatures steady in the low and mid 10s.
Got further questions? Ask Drew!
Support FLX Weather
Finger Lakes Weather relies on support from you, its users, as its primary source of funding. Want to support Finger Lakes Weather and keep the no-hype, local information flowing? Thank you for your continued support of Honest, Accurate, Accessible Weather!
» Support FLX Weather Today!
» Business Sponsorship information
Checks may also be mailed to: Finger Lakes Weather LLC, PO Box 326, Groton, NY 13073
Leave a Reply