From Jessica Spaccio, NOAA Northeast Regional Climate Center, Cornell University
Last week temperatures ranged from normal to 4 degrees below normal. Most areas received half an inch to 3 inches of precipitation; isolated southern areas had less than half an inch, and areas of western NY had 3 to 4 inches. Base 50 growing degree-days ranged from 70 to 150.
Summer-like temperatures will return, but a majority of the forecast period carries a chance for showers and thunderstorms.
Today will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms likely, with some having small hail, strong winds, and heavy rain. Highs will be throughout the 70’s with sunshine possible late in the day. Overnight temperatures will be in the 50’s.
Friday summer weather will return with mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s. An afternoon shower or thunderstorm can’t be ruled out. Low temperatures will be in the upper 50’s and low 60’s.
Saturday will be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 70’s to low 80’s and scattered showers and thunderstorms. Overnight temperatures will be in the upper 50’s and low 60’s.
Sunday will be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 70’s to low 80’s and scattered showers and thunderstorms. Overnight temperatures will be in the upper 50’s and low 60’s.
Monday will be mostly sunny and dry with highs in the low 80’s. Overnight temperatures will be in the mid 50’s to low 60’s.
Tuesday will be partly sunny with highs in the upper 70’s to low 80’s with showers and thunderstorms possible. Lows will be in the upper 50’s and low 60’s.
Wednesday’s highs will be in the mid to upper 70’s. Lows will be in the upper 50’s and low 60’s.
The five-day precipitation amounts will range from ½ ” to 1”; 7-day amounts will range from ¾ ” to 1 ½” .
The 8-14 day outlook (Aug 7 – 13) is showing below normal temperatures for western NY and above normal precipitation.
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