A weak area of high pressure extending from the Ohio Valley into central New York will keep our weather quiet through this afternoon. In fact, the sinking air associated with this high is helping to break up some of the cloud cover that’s been over us. We expect some sunshine and temperatures close to normal for this time of year. For tonight, low pressure will pass to our south, mainly providing snow to southern New England. As this system moves off the coast, a northwest flow could bring us some light lake effect flurries overnight. Little or no accumulation is expected.
After any clouds tomorrow morning, high pressure will allow for some sunshine and make way for warmer temperatures for Valentine’s Day. The mild temperatures should continue into Friday with highs once again nearing 40. However, Friday will also serve as a day of transition with a cold front approaching from the west. Indications are that the front will pass through Central New York in response to low pressure moving through southern Canada. Behind the front, temperatures will dip down to the low to mid 20s over the weekend with snow showers likely Saturday.
As for the threat for lake effect snow this weekend, early indications point to snow beginning over the Tug Hill early Saturday with winds from the west. Winds should shift northwest, bringing snow to the Syracuse area by sometime Saturday evening. If there were to be any meaningful snowfall this weekend, it would likely occur later Saturday into Sunday. Again, it’s early so things may change so check back as the weekend approaches. Regardless of snowfall, Sunday will be a cold day as highs struggle to reach 20.
Computer models suggest that we will experience a similar pattern next week, with temperatures becoming milder briefly ahead of more low pressure. This system could bring some more precipitation for Central New York midweek. We will be keeping an eye on this system, yet another reason to check back.
