New York — Windshield wipers are working overtime across the Buffalo metro this morning as a soaking rain prepares to drench the region through the evening hours. While the air feels deceptively mild with temperatures climbing toward the mid-50s, a sharp cold front is lurking just hours away, ready to turn wet pavement into a skating rink by the Friday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, rain chances jump to 80% after 2 p.m. today, with total precipitation expected to reach up to a half-inch. Southwest winds will gust as high as 22 mph, making for a raw afternoon for anyone heading toward the Peace Bridge or traveling along the NYS Thruway. The real danger arrives after midnight when temperatures plummet from a high of 56°F down to a biting 28°F.
Local drivers should prepare for “flash freezing” tonight. As the rain ends and the mercury drops well below freezing, any untreated moisture on the Skyway or local overpasses will likely turn to black ice. According to local emergency management, this creates a high-risk window between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday where sliding accidents typically spike.
The chill lingers into the weekend as Western New York settles into a late-March funk. Saturday brings a 30% chance of snow showers before 2 p.m., with highs struggling to reach 35°F. If you have outdoor plans, Sunday offers the best window for errands as the sun breaks through and temperatures recover to near 48°F. Residents should keep the heavy coats accessible, as another round of rain and 50-degree weather is already timed to arrive by Monday afternoon.
Are you seeing any ice patches on your morning drive tomorrow? Let us know which intersections are looking slick in your neighborhood.
Five Day Forecast for Buffalo, New York
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy then rain. High: 56°F. Chance of precipitation: 80%.
- Friday: Cloudy then gradual clearing. High: 35°F. Low: 21°F.
- Saturday: A 30% chance of snow showers. Partly sunny. High: 35°F. Low: 28°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny. High: 48°F. Low: 39°F.
- Monday: A 30% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. High: 54°F. Low: 39°F.
