Buffalo, New York – Drivers across Western New York could face ponding on roads and reduced visibility within the next several days as a soaking pattern sets up from the Upper Midwest into the Northeast through midweek.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Western New York falls within a 60 to 70 percent chance of above-normal precipitation through the midweek period, with the wet signal stretching from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the Gulf Coast. Forecasters also highlight a 90 to 100 percent chance of well above-normal temperatures across much of the Ohio Valley and Appalachians, with above-normal warmth expanding into New York state.
For Buffalo, Rochester and Jamestown, that means repeated rounds of rain, especially during the late-week and early-week windows. While most precipitation will fall as rain, colder air near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario could briefly support a rain-snow mix at times, particularly during overnight or early morning hours when temperatures dip closer to freezing inland.
Urban drainage systems could become overwhelmed if heavier bands set up, leading to standing water on portions of Interstate 90, the Kensington Expressway and low-lying city streets. Creeks and smaller streams may also rise quickly after repeated rainfall.
Residents should clear storm drains near homes, check sump pumps and avoid driving through water-covered roadways. The unsettled pattern is expected to persist through midweek, and additional advisories may be issued if rainfall totals trend higher.
