Binghamton, NY – Lake-effect snow across central New York is easing today, offering a brief window of quieter weather before another round of rain and snow arrives on Sunday, according to early updates from the National Weather Service in Binghamton.
The region has dealt with scattered snow showers since early morning, but forecasters note that the most persistent bands are breaking apart. With temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 30s, any lingering flakes are expected to melt quickly. Travel conditions should gradually improve through the afternoon as visibility issues and slick patches diminish.
Lake-Effect Snow Winds Down Today
Forecasters say a short period of dry weather will settle in tonight and continue into early Sunday. Skies will stay mostly cloudy, but the reduction in lake-effect activity means most of central New York will experience calmer conditions through the overnight hours.
NWS meteorologists highlighted that ground temperatures remain warm enough to limit new accumulation, even in areas where light snow persists.
Next Weather System Targets the Region on Sunday
The break will be brief. Another system is expected to move in from the southwest by midday Sunday, bringing a widespread mix of rain and snow across the Southern Tier, central New York, and parts of northeast Pennsylvania.
Cities including Utica, Syracuse, Ithaca, Binghamton, Elmira, Towanda, Monticello, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre are showing 60–85% precipitation probabilities on NWS forecast charts as the system approaches.
Warmer temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s will play a major role in determining what falls and where.
Higher terrain zones are most likely to see periods of steady snow, while valley cities may experience mainly rain with pockets of mixed precipitation.
What to Expect for Travel
While no major snow totals are expected, the combination of light snow and colder evening temperatures may still create slick spots, especially on:
- Elevated roadways
- Secondary rural routes
- Shaded stretches of highway
Drivers heading out early Sunday morning or later in the evening should watch for patchy ice.
Why Elevation Matters This Weekend
Sunday’s system will bring transitional temperatures that fluctuate throughout the day. This makes elevation one of the most important factors in precipitation type:
- Hilltops and high ridges may see more persistent snow
- Lower valleys and city centers will lean toward rain
- Mixed showers are possible almost anywhere during colder intervals
This setup is typical for late-fall systems across central New York, where small temperature differences can dramatically shift conditions within a few miles.
NWS Urges Residents to Stay Updated
Meteorologists recommend keeping an eye on updated forecasts as the weekend progresses.
Some snowfall variability remains possible depending on how quickly temperatures rise and whether colder pockets linger in elevated counties.
NWS Binghamton continues to update its local winter weather briefing page as the next system develops.
Final Outlook
Today’s lake-effect snow is fading, but another active weather period is on the doorstep. Sunday will bring a widespread mix of rain and snow, with timing and elevation determining much of the impact. While accumulations should stay minor, brief travel issues are still possible—especially early and late in the day.
Share your local weather updates or travel conditions in the comments below.
