If you stepped outside this morning, you already know it feels more like late July than mid-May. Temperatures across the Finger Lakes are in the upper 60s at sunrise — that’s where most of us will be spending our overnight lows tonight, too — and the heat is only going to build from here.
Enjoy the sunshine this morning, because it won’t last. Highs will climb into the mid-to-upper 80s this afternoon, with Watkins Glen likely pushing closest to 90°. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has actually been trimming their temperature forecasts the past several days, noting their models have been running 3–5 degrees too warm — so don’t be surprised if a few spots still crack 90° in the most sheltered valleys. Humidity will make it feel a few degrees warmer than the thermometer reads.
Here’s the important part: a cold front is charging in from the west, and it will drag showers and thunderstorms into the region very late this afternoon and evening. The Storm Prediction Center has this area under a Slight Risk for severe weather tonight — meaning a few storms could produce damaging winds or large hail. Have a way to receive warnings tonight. The bulk of the activity is expected after dark, so keep that in mind heading into Tuesday evening plans.
Behind the front, Wednesday ushers in a sharp cooldown — highs dropping back into the 60s — with drier conditions through at least Thursday and Friday. The extended outlook turns unsettled again heading into the Memorial Day weekend, so stay tuned as that holiday forecast comes into focus.
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.