Buffalo, N.Y. – Smoke hangs in the morning sky across Western New York, but don’t let the quiet start fool you. The atmosphere is becoming increasingly unstable, and conditions could change quickly this afternoon as strong thunderstorms develop across the Buffalo metro.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms remains in place through this evening across Western and north-central New York. The primary threats include damaging wind gusts, torrential rainfall, and the possibility of an isolated tornado. An Air Quality Health Advisory also remains in effect through tonight because of lingering wildfire smoke.
Morning temperatures are in the upper 60s with areas of smoke reducing air quality for sensitive groups. Highs will climb to around 79 degrees before showers and thunderstorms become more widespread after 2 p.m. Rainfall totals could approach one inch in stronger storms, and wind gusts may exceed 35 mph, creating localized travel issues.
Drivers along Interstate 90, Interstate 190, the Niagara Thruway, and Route 33 should prepare for rapidly changing visibility, ponding water, and strong crosswinds during the afternoon and evening commute. Brief delays are possible near Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Amherst, Cheektowaga, and surrounding communities.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring storm development as warm, humid air collides with an approaching disturbance. While not every community will experience severe weather, any storm that strengthens could produce damaging wind, frequent lightning, localized flooding, and a brief tornado. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be ready to move indoors quickly if alerts are issued.
Conditions improve considerably on Sunday, bringing sunshine and highs near 75 degrees. Another unsettled pattern develops by Tuesday, July 21, when showers and thunderstorms return with highs near 80 degrees.
The extended outlook favors above-normal temperatures heading into late next week, with additional opportunities for scattered thunderstorms.
Traveling across Western New York today? Let us know what conditions you’re seeing where you are.
Five-Day Forecast for Buffalo, New York
- Sunday: Sunny. High 75°F, Low 60°F.
- Monday: Sunny. High 79°F, Low 67°F with a 40% chance of showers late.
- Tuesday: Showers likely with thunderstorms possible. High 80°F, Low 63°F. Rain chance 90%.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny with a 40% chance of showers. High 71°F, Low 59°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 74°F, Low 60°F.
