Last week temperatures were above normal for the entire state, ranging from 3 to 12 degrees above normal. Precipitation was minimal, almost the entire state had under half an inch; a small portion of southern Hudson Valley region had over an inch. The base 50 growing degree-days ranged from 25 to 100, with the highest values being along the Great Lakes region.
Unsettled weather over the next few days.
Today we’ll have temperatures in the upper 60’s to low 70’s with light rain likely associated with an upper level low. Some thunderstorms are possible with heavier rain; possible small hail in eastern NY. Lows will range from the upper 40’s to low 50’s.
Friday’s temperatures will range across the state from low 60’s in western NY to mid 70’s along the Hudson Valley region. Light rain will be likely again as another system passes NY, afternoon thunderstorms are possible with some producing heavy rain. Lows will range from the upper 40’s to mid 50’s.
Saturday will be seasonable with highs in the mid 60’s to low 70’s. Showers will continue into Saturday but should clear throughout the day. Overnight temperatures will be in the mid 40’s to low 50’s.
Sunday will be cooler as a cold front will pass Saturday night, with highs in the upper 50’s to mid 60’s and continued possibility for light rain. Overnight temperatures will also be cooler, ranging from the mid 30’s to low 40’s. If additional nighttime cooling occurs frost will be a possibility.
Monday should finally have some sunshine as high-pressure approaches the area with highs in the mid 50’s to low 60’s. Lows will be throughout the 30’s with a chance for frost Tuesday morning.
Tuesday’s highs will be in the low to mid 60’s. Lows will be in the mid to upper 30’s, with frost possible in some areas.
Wednesday’s temperatures will warm into the low to mid 70’s. A possible front could bring some showers. Lows will be throughout the 40’s.
The five-day precipitation amounts range from ½” to 1 ½” in the Hudson Valley to Champlain Valley regions.
The 8-14 day out look (May 16-22) is showing normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. Areas in the Catskills and Adirondacks are abnormally dry; a new area of Moderate Drought (D1) in the lower Hudson Valley/Catskill area.
Maps of 8-14 day outlooks:
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/814day/index.php
National Weather Service watch/warnings map:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/hq/
NRCC Drought Page which features the US Drought Monitor map (updated every Thursday):
http://www.nrcc.cornell.edu/page_drought.html
