Buffalo, N.Y. – Buffles of white clouds drift across Western New York this morning, but the calm won’t last. Warm sunshine is giving way to a more active weather pattern that could bring strong thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and localized flooding over the next several days.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, today begins partly sunny with temperatures climbing to around 80 degrees. While much of the daylight hours remain dry, meteorologists are tracking thunderstorms that are expected to develop later in the day and continue into the evening. Damaging wind gusts and pockets of heavy rainfall are the primary concerns, placing much of Western New York under a Marginal Risk for severe weather.
Drivers along Interstate 90, the Niagara Thruway, and Route 33 should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions once storms arrive. Wet pavement, reduced visibility, and brief ponding of water could slow the evening commute. Allow extra travel time if you’re heading out later today.
The unsettled pattern strengthens Tuesday. Showers and thunderstorms become widespread with a 90% chance of rain and highs near 76 degrees. Additional rounds of rain continue Tuesday night and Wednesday, when another 70% chance of showers could produce locally heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service also highlights a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall Tuesday through Wednesday, meaning isolated flash flooding is possible in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
By Thursday, conditions begin improving as drier air moves into the region. Mostly sunny skies return with comfortable highs in the mid-70s before sunshine and near-80-degree temperatures arrive Friday.
Across the Great Lakes and Northeast, an approaching cold front continues to fuel rounds of showers and thunderstorms. While tornado potential remains low across Buffalo, a brief isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out in stronger storms. Stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Looking beyond this week, the Climate Prediction Center’s 6-to-10-day outlook favors above-normal temperatures, suggesting warmer summer weather may return after this active stretch.
Five-Day Forecast for Buffalo, New York
- Today: Partly sunny. High 80°F. Storms develop later.
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 67°F.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. 90% chance of rain. High 76°F.
- Wednesday: Showers likely with locally heavy rain possible. High 73°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 76°F.
