JAMESTOWN – We’re back to reality this week. Rain will be the story throughout much of the week, but some of that rain may mixed with some…other things…by Thursday.
We’ve had some rain showers move across the region early this afternoon, with few pockets of lake-effect rain, mainly to our north.
Lake effect is, in short, is the child or the “effect” of a colder air mass that is at least 25 degrees colder than the lake water its moving over. This allows clouds to form over the lake and extend into the Atmosphere. The wind then pushes the clouds and directs them onshore, relieving the clouds of their moisture.
Lake effect rain is quite similar to lake effect snow with the main difference being the precipitation type that falls to the ground. If the temperatures in the lower parts of the Atmosphere are not cold enough for the water droplets to freeze and fall as snow, they will make their way down in the form of rains showers.
We’re keeping our eyes on a Canadian cold front will plow through Western New York Wednesday night. As temperatures drop through early Thursday morning behind the front, the potential exists for some wet snow showers to mix in with the rain at times along the higher terrain of the Southern Tier.
The potential is also there for some LIGHT accumulating snow on Sunday. Again, if any snow were to fall, it will be light, with accumulations less than a half inch for most spots, according to the newest model guidance.
If that does verify, that will likely be the first measurable snowfall of the season for some across the Southern Tier.
However, that is still six days away and things are subject to change between now and Sunday, so we will keep you updated with the latest throughout the week.
WNYNewsNow is a proud Ambassador for the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation program.
