First Alert Forecast: Seems like there is no middle ground this winter

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Yesterday we had the dripping and the melting, today it is the snowing and the freezing. The temperature today has fallen by some 25 degrees compared to yesterday as sharply colder weather has once again invaded Western New York. Now that the arctic air has arrived, it will stay for several days. As a result of the bitter cold, lake effect snow will be off and on for the remainder of the weekend.

Tonight the temperature will continue to fall with the mercury dropping into the lower teens and the wind chill running in the single digits. Lake Erie snow showers will be shifting south this evening, but Lake Ontario snow showers will take their place later tonight. Most areas will see less than an inch of new snowfall, but along the Route 104 corridor, 1 to 3 inches will be likely by Sunday morning – especially in Wayne County.

Sunday skies may brighten from time to time, but Lake Ontario snow showers will continue. Another 1 to 2 inches of fluffy snow possible along Route 104 with all other communities seeing little, if any new snowfall. The deep freeze will continue with the temperature in the upper teens and lows by Sunday night falling into the single digits. More lake snow is possible, especially in Wayne County, with several more inches of accumulation possible by Monday Morning.

Valentine’s Day will be cold, but mainly dry. Look for any early morning flurries to end with breaks of sunshine. It will not be as harsh with the temperature rising into the upper 20s. Then the warm-up begins for Western New York. As a ridge of high pressure move off the east coast a more southerly wind will develop for midweek. The News 10 NBC First Alert meteorologists see some pleasant weather returning for Wednesday with partial sunshine temperatures warming into the upper 40s. Thursday will likely be the warmest day of the week as the temperature could rise into the middle 50s! However, with that warmth, you can expect a few rain showers.

Turn to News 10NBC First Alert for the latest on the forecast.