A cold front continues to approach central New York early this afternoon. We’ve been watching showers out ahead of this front moving toward us. However, actual surface observations show little rain falling or making it to the surface. This is due to dry air in the lower half of the atmosphere, which is allowing for the rain (or even snow) to dry before it can reach the ground. This is called virga. Generally speaking, we expect the same outcome in Central New York as the system. Worst case scenario is there could be a few sprinkles early this afternoon.
Once the cold front moves through a slightly drier and cooler air mass will build out of Canada for tonight and Thursday. Some computer models suggest that snow showers may fall tonight well north of Syracuse and east of Lake Ontario. That aside and even with “cooler air” arriving tomorrow, we expect temperatures tomorrow to end up above normal by 5 or more degrees.
It will really begin to warm-up Friday and for the weekend as high pressure becomes established to our south and a series of storm systems tracks to our northwest. This set up favors unseasonably warm temperatures for the Northeast and we feel highs will approach or possibly exceed 50 Friday through Sunday. Along with the warmer air, will be an increase threat for showers, particularly Friday and Sunday. Cooler air, but still above normal for this time of year, is scheduled to arrive early next week.
