Severe Weather Forecast for Easter Weekend in Buffalo

Good Friday showers to be followed by heavy rain and potential storms on Saturday

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and white, depicting a vast, frozen expanse under a turbulent, stormy sky. The scene conveys a sense of the overwhelming power and sublime beauty of nature, with the weather conditions dwarfing any small, insignificant human structures or objects.As a powerful storm system approaches, the Buffalo region braces for the potential of heavy rain, gusty winds, and even wintry weather over the Easter holiday weekend.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo-Niagara region is bracing for a potentially stormy Easter weekend, with forecasters predicting heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and even the possibility of wet snow on Monday. While Friday will see typical April showers, a strong cold front is expected to move through on Saturday, bringing an additional half to one inch of rainfall along with thunderstorms and high winds.

Why it matters

The Buffalo area has already seen significant flooding issues in recent days, and the additional rainfall over the holiday weekend could further exacerbate those problems. Severe weather can also pose risks to public safety, disrupt travel and power, and impact outdoor Easter celebrations.

The details

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Thomas, a warm front will lift across the region on Friday, bringing showers and thunderstorms. However, the main concerns come on Saturday as a strong cold front moves through, potentially dumping another half to one inch of rain and producing gusty winds up to 35 mph. Conditions may improve somewhat by Easter Sunday, but temperatures are expected to drop into the 40s for both Sunday and Monday. There's even a chance of seeing a few wet snowflakes on Monday.

  • Friday morning: Showers along a warm front
  • Friday afternoon: Additional showers and thunderstorms
  • Saturday: Strong cold front brings heavy rain and gusty winds
  • Sunday: Rain clears out, but breezy conditions persist
  • Monday: Temperatures drop into the 40s, with a chance of wet snow

The players

Dave Thomas

A National Weather Service meteorologist who provided the forecast details for the Buffalo-Niagara region.

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing warnings across the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're looking for another half to one inch of rainfall, in addition to gusty winds with these thunderstorms.”

— Dave Thomas, National Weather Service Meteorologist

“We might be able to get that rain out of here by sunrise, if not shortly thereafter, however it will be breezy with winds gusting up to 35 mph through Sunday morning.”

— Dave Thomas, National Weather Service Meteorologist

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and issue any necessary weather watches, warnings, or advisories as the holiday weekend approaches.

The takeaway

The Buffalo area should prepare for the potential of severe weather, including heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and even a chance of wet snow over the Easter weekend. Residents should stay tuned to local forecasts and be ready to adjust any outdoor plans if necessary.