New York starts the morning locked in winter’s grip. Light snow drifts across Buffalo, coating roads and sidewalks with a dull, icy sheen. The calm is misleading. A multi-hazard weather pattern is lining up fast.
Cold air holds firm early, with temperatures in the mid-20s. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through early morning, keeping roads slick across Erie and Niagara counties. Drivers should slow down on I-90, Route 33, and city arterials.
Attention quickly shifts to Sunday. Warmer air surges north, changing snow to rain by afternoon. Temperatures climb into the mid-40s, accelerating snowmelt. Rainfall totals between one and one-and-a-half inches are expected, with locally higher amounts possible.
A Flood Watch begins Sunday afternoon and continues through Monday afternoon. Creeks and streams near Buffalo may rise rapidly. Low-lying roads and poor drainage areas could flood. Urban ponding becomes more likely as rain intensifies Sunday night.
By Sunday night, winds increase from the southwest. Gusts strengthen into Monday, adding another layer of risk for drivers. Wet roads, reduced visibility, and standing water will complicate holiday travel.
Behind the cold front, winter roars back. Rain flips to snow Monday as temperatures fall sharply. Strong winds may cause blowing snow and sudden whiteouts, especially south of Buffalo and toward Batavia. Lake-effect snow bands may shift northward into Niagara County later Monday and Tuesday.
Tuesday stays bitter and unsettled. Snow showers linger, highs struggle into the 20s, and wind chills dip into the teens. Any leftover moisture freezes quickly, creating black ice on untreated roads and bridges.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring creek levels, wind trends, and lake-effect snow placement. Conditions may deteriorate quickly late Sunday into Monday. Traveling for year-end plans? Tell us what you’re seeing where you are.
Five-Day Outlook: Buffalo, NY
- Today: Cloudy, cold; high near 29
- Sunday: Rain developing; high near 44
- Monday: Rain changing to snow, windy; high near 46, falling
- Tuesday: Snow showers, cold and windy; high near 26
- Wednesday (New Year’s Eve): Snow showers possible, very cold; high near 28
