BUFFALO, NY – Wind gusts sweep across Lake Erie this morning, kicking up bursts of blowing snow and icy mist as Buffalo begins another lake-effect round of early December weather. The National Weather Service has extended a Winter Weather Advisory through 6 a.m. Thursday, warning that even light accumulations may create slick and snow-covered roads across northern Erie and Genesee Counties.
While additional totals stay near 1 to 2 inches, the combination of 35 mph gusts and near-freezing air is expected to make travel challenging through midday. Visibility could drop rapidly in heavier snow bands, particularly along I-90 and Route 400, where drifting and quick changes in conditions are common this time of year.
By Friday, skies gradually clear, but highs will remain near freezing — about 31°F — with biting northwest winds adding to the chill. Saturday brings another wave of scattered snow showers that could briefly reduce visibility again across western New York. The weekend’s highs hover in the 30s, dipping into the teens by nightfall.
Meteorologists say this pattern marks the first real push of sustained Arctic air this season, setting up the Great Lakes for continued lake-effect activity through mid-December. Long-range models hint at a stronger system between Dec. 11–17, which could bring heavier snow bands and renewed travel disruptions ahead of the holiday rush.
Five-Day Outlook (Buffalo, NY)
- Thursday: Blowing snow early, high 28°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny, high 31°F.
- Saturday: Snow showers, high 36°F.
- Sunday: Snow likely, high 36°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 24°F.
