If you stepped outside this morning and thought it felt more like July than May, you’re not wrong. Temperatures across the Finger Lakes were already sitting in the low-to-mid 60s at daybreak — and that’s just the warmup act.
A strong ridge of high pressure is cresting directly over our region today, pumping deep southwesterly flow and mid-summer air into western and central New York. Expect highs to climb into the upper 80s to near 91° this afternoon — with Corning, Bath, and Penn Yan all flirting with that 90-degree threshold. If any location hits it, today will likely be the warmest day of the year so far.
Skies stay sunny through the afternoon. Humidity will be noticeable but not oppressive — dew points in the 60s will make it feel more muggy than a typical May day. Winds stay light. Tonight stays warm, with lows dropping only to the low 60s.
Tuesday brings a near-repeat before everything changes. A strong cold front will push through Tuesday evening into Tuesday night, bringing a round of showers and thunderstorms — a few of which could reach severe limits. Stay tuned as that timing firms up.
Behind the front, Wednesday through Friday look dramatically different: drier air, cooler temperatures, and a much more seasonable feel. There’s a chance unsettled weather returns over the weekend, but confidence remains low on those details. Enjoy today’s sunshine — just remember to hydrate.
Weather Center forecast for the Finger Lakes region. Sourced from NWS, Open-Meteo, NWS Area Forecast Discussion, and USGS stream-flow data. Updated 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM ET.