Buffalo, NY – Lingering morning rain in eastern New York is expected to ease by midday Thursday, clearing the way for warmer and drier conditions across the region. Cities like Watertown and Fulton may still see light showers through early afternoon, but most areas west of Rochester should dry out well before evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the heaviest remaining precipitation will concentrate from Lowville to Watertown, where rain chances remain above 70% through 9 a.m. Rain should taper off rapidly after noon, with only isolated sprinkles expected later in the day, particularly in lake-influenced areas.
Rochester saw rain probabilities as high as 45% early Thursday but will warm to 70°F under clearing skies. Buffalo will hover near 65°F, with Batavia, Canandaigua, and Dansville climbing into the low 70s by late afternoon. Winds off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario could keep some communities cooler, especially closer to the shoreline.
Drivers should be cautious during the morning commute in eastern counties but can expect improving conditions by lunchtime. With a mostly dry evening ahead, it’s a good window to catch up on outdoor activities.
Rain chances drop to near zero tonight, with updated forecasts expected early Friday morning.
