Buffalo, New York – Western New York is in for a rapid midweek weather shift as mild, wet conditions give way to snow, falling temperatures, and lake effect impacts by late Wednesday into Thursday.
Tuesday remains relatively mild across Buffalo and surrounding communities, with temperatures climbing into the upper 30s to lower 40s under above-normal conditions. Showers will move through the region, with some early precipitation starting as snow east of Lake Ontario before mixing with and changing to rain as temperatures rise.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, conditions will change significantly on Wednesday as two cold fronts cross the area. The first front arrives Wednesday morning, followed by a stronger secondary front later in the afternoon. Rain showers are expected to mix with snow during the day, then transition fully to snow as colder air filters into western New York.
By Wednesday night, Arctic air will surge into the region, dropping temperatures well below normal. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the teens across much of the Buffalo metro, with even colder readings possible in outlying areas. Periods of snow are expected late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Behind the Arctic front, lake effect snow is likely to develop off both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Snow showers may persist into Thursday, especially in typical lake effect belts south of Buffalo and east of Lake Ontario. While widespread heavy accumulation is not guaranteed, localized bursts of snow could quickly reduce visibility and coat roads.
Travel impacts are most likely late Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, when falling temperatures may cause wet roads to freeze. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces will be especially vulnerable to icy conditions.
Daytime highs Thursday are expected to remain in the 20s, reinforcing a winter-like feel. Wind chills will make it feel even colder during the morning commute.
Residents are urged to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, allow extra travel time midweek, and monitor updates for possible lake effect advisories. While today’s mild weather may feel deceiving, winter conditions will return quickly and decisively across western New York by midweek.
