Stormy Saturday Leads to Cold Easter in Buffalo

Wet March gives way to a brief spring warmup before a chilly holiday weekend.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, white, and blue, capturing the overwhelming scale and power of a harsh winter storm enveloping the region.The arrival of a cold front brings a dramatic shift in weather conditions, transforming the landscape and challenging the resilience of the local community.Buffalo Today

After the wettest March in Buffalo in 84 years, the region will see a brief respite from the rain on Saturday as a warm front moves through, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms. However, the warmer weather will be short-lived, as temperatures are expected to plummet on Easter Sunday, with highs struggling to reach the 60s near the Lake Erie shoreline.

Why it matters

Buffalo's weather patterns have a significant impact on the daily lives of residents, from outdoor activities to transportation and energy usage. This volatile shift from a record-wet March to a cold Easter weekend highlights the unpredictable nature of the region's spring weather, which can make planning and preparation challenging for both individuals and businesses.

The details

On Friday, gusty southwest winds up to 45 mph will help dry things out a bit before the next round of showers arrives. Saturday's warm front passage will bring scattered storms, but temperatures are expected to reach the low 70s inland and the low 60s near the lake. However, this springtime warmup will be short-lived, as a cold front moves in on Easter Sunday, plunging temperatures and limiting highs to the 60s along the lakefront.

  • Friday's gusty winds will peak up to 45 mph.
  • Saturday will see a warm front passage with scattered showers and thunderstorms.
  • Easter Sunday will bring a cold front and highs only in the 60s near Lake Erie.

The players

Don Paul

A meteorologist and weather columnist for The Buffalo News.

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What they’re saying

“Following the wettest March in Buffalo in 84 years, totaling 6.33 inches, there will be scant time for drying out.”

— Don Paul, Meteorologist

What’s next

Residents should prepare for a chilly Easter weekend by checking the latest weather forecasts and dressing appropriately for the cold temperatures.

The takeaway

Buffalo's unpredictable spring weather patterns can make it challenging for residents to plan ahead, underscoring the importance of closely monitoring weather forecasts and being prepared for sudden shifts in temperature and precipitation.