First Alert Forecast: Could this be the calm before the storm?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Some would say this is the season for strong winds for Western New York.

We had a gusty wind for most of today, but as high pressure moves back into the northeast later tonight and tomorrow, the winds speeds will diminish significantly. We expect light winds over the next 36 hours. However, a storm is forecast to intensify and move across the upper Great Lakes and eventually towards Hudson Bay on Monday. This storm will bring another rapid change in the temperature and atmospheric pressure, which will produce strong winds for us again later Monday and Monday night.

As a result, the News10NBC First Alert meteorologists have issued a yellow alert for Monday and Monday Night. In addition, the National Weather Service has a high wind watch posted for Monroe, Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming Counties. We expect a wind speed of 20 to 45 mph and gusts near 50 mph. Counties west of Rochester, heading out towards Batavia, may experience wind gusts to 55 mph or higher. There is the potential for isolated tree and power line damage. At this time, we do not expect any widespread damage. However, we will continue to monitor the weather and will keep you updated on any changes in the forecast.

If you heading out to the Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium Monday night, the strong winds should make for an interesting game! We expect the weather conditions will be similar in Buffalo with westerly winds gusting close to 50 to 55 mph for a good portion of the game. In addition, you can look forward to rain showers changing to snow showers. Considering this forecast, the suggestion is to “dress for the elements,” as the temperature will be falling through the 20s for the entire game.

Tuesday winds should taper quickly for the morning. The forecast is for mostly cloudy skies with a passing snow shower possible. The temperature will be in the mid-30s. Another storm will be tracking south of Rochester Tuesday night into Wednesday. There is still some uncertainty as to the track as computer models continue to differ on the exact path of the storm. In any event, whether it is area-wide light snow or lake effect snow, some small accumulation is possible. You can expect below-normal temperatures right through Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with readings in the 20s and 30s.

We can look forward to a moderation to the temperature by Friday and Saturday with mainly dry weather. The temperature will be returning to the mid- 40s for the end of the week.