Buffalo, N.Y. – Drivers and commuters across Western New York should prepare for a wet evening commute as rain pushes north from the Southern Tier and becomes widespread by tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, showers began early Wednesday across the Southern Tier, with areas like Jamestown and Wellsville seeing a 70% to 80% chance of rain by mid-morning. The precipitation will gradually move northward throughout the afternoon, reaching Buffalo and Rochester between 3 and 6 p.m. Rain is expected to continue across the region into the overnight hours, with precipitation probabilities hitting 100% in most locations by midnight.
Temperatures will vary significantly, with highs in the 50s across the Southern Tier, 60s near the Thruway, and low 70s east of Lake Ontario. Winds will be light, blowing east to southeast at 6–12 mph across most of the region, shifting slightly south to southwest east of Lake Ontario.
Motorists should use caution during the evening commute as roadways may become slick. Keep headlights on, reduce speed, and avoid areas prone to flooding. This is the first widespread rainfall since mid-May for many in the region.
Rain is expected to taper off Thursday morning, but updates may follow if the system stalls or intensifies.
