Tuesday will feel mild and calm across western and central New York, but colder air and a potential wintry mix are on the way, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Highs Tuesday are expected to reach around 40 degrees in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse before a storm system moves in early Wednesday.
Freezing rain possible along Lake Ontario
Freezing rain is possible Wednesday morning in counties along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline before switching to sleet and then rain by midday, said Weather Service meteorologist David Thomas.
South of the New York State Thruway, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as rain.
Meanwhile, 1 to 3 inches of snow could fall in areas east of Lake Ontario, including Jefferson County, during the same time frame.
Forecasters say some areas could see up to a tenth of an inch of ice. Motorists should be prepared for the possibility of a light glaze on untreated roads, especially during the morning commute.
Mild stretch comes before temperature drop
The wintry mix follows two straight unseasonably warm days in parts of upstate New York.
Tuesday’s high reached 47 degrees in Rochester, 44 in Syracuse and 41 in Buffalo — well above the mid-30s that are typical for mid-February. While not near daily records, the warmer temperatures marked a sharp contrast from the recent stretch of subzero wind chills.
Colder air is expected to settle back in behind Wednesday’s system.
Freezing rain, wintry mix to impact upstate NY this week. Here’s what to know
