Central New York faces severe thunderstorms on Monday afternoon, followed by a 50-degree temperature plunge as a powerful cold front moves through the region, according to the National Weather Service.
The severe weather window opens Monday afternoon and extends into early evening, with damaging winds and possibly an isolated tornado as the primary threats. A strong squall line is expected to develop in west central Pennsylvania late Monday morning before moving east-northeast through Central New York during the afternoon hours.
National Weather Service
Wind gusts along the squall line could reach 60 mph in isolated areas. Brief heavy rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding, particularly in areas with poor drainage and urban locations, though the fast-moving nature of the storms should limit flooding concerns.
Monday’s high temperature is expected to reach 68 degrees in Syracuse. About 18 hours later, on Tuesday morning, temperatures will have dropped about 50 degrees into the teens.
A wind advisory remains in effect for portions of Central New York until 2 p.m. Monday, with southerly winds gusting between 40 and 50 mph across elevated areas. The advisory affects Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Seneca and Tompkins counties.
Temperatures will drop rapidly Monday night, falling 20 to 25 degrees within a three-to-five-hour window between 8 p.m. and midnight. This rapid temperature drop raises concerns for a flash freeze, though warmer ground temperatures and gusty winds may help dry roads before the coldest air settles in.
National Weather Service
Accumulating lake effect snow is possible north of the New York Thruway corridor Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night. As winds shift to northwesterly, lake effect snow bands will develop and move southward, first into Oneida County on Tuesday afternoon, then toward the Thruway corridor Tuesday evening.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect for Oswego County from 8 p.m. Monday evening to 8 a.m. Wednesday, with total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches possible in the most persistent lake snows over a 36-hour period. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will produce areas of blowing snow.
New snow and sleet accumulation of around 2 inches is forecast closer to Syracuse.
Wednesday is expected to be mainly clear, followed by a small chance for spotty rain and snow showers on Thursday and additional showers possible on Friday.
