Warm and Wet Weather Ahead for Tompkins County

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Tompkins County is in for a warm and wet week, with temperatures reaching the 70s to low 80s and multiple storm systems bringing frequent rain showers. A warm front will lift through the region later today, ushering in the warmer temperatures, while a series of low-pressure systems will ride along the edge of a high-pressure ridge, resulting in numerous bouts of light to moderate rainfall across the area.

Why it matters

The warm and wet weather pattern will impact outdoor activities and plans, but the rainfall should help reduce spring brush fire concerns and promote plant growth. The frequent storm systems and associated runoff will also require monitoring for potential minor to moderate flooding in downstream areas.

The details

A Canadian high-pressure system that brought colder conditions yesterday is now moving southeast, allowing a warm front to lift through the region later today. This will bring light rain showers, primarily to Central New York. Temperatures will then trend warmer, with highs expected in the 70s by mid-week. However, the crest of the high-pressure ridge will be over Upstate New York, allowing multiple low-pressure systems to ride up the upstream slope and over the ridge, resulting in numerous bouts of rain for Tompkins County. Current model projections show 0.50-1.00 inches of rain for most areas south of I-90, with heavier rainfall of 3.00-4.00 inches further north potentially leading to minor to moderate flooding concerns in downstream bodies of water.

• Later this afternoon, a warm front will lift through the region, bringing light rain showers.
• Monday will see the low lift north of Tompkins County, with some light but frequent rain showers during the day.
• Tuesday will see another storm system with a reinforcing warm front enter the region from the west, bringing showers and even a few late-day thunderstorms.
• Wednesday, the frontal boundary of the low will stall out and elongate along the edge of the jet stream ridge, resulting in a damp day with periods of showers and thunderstorms.
• Yet another low-pressure storm system will rise through the Mississippi River Valley and ride along the edge of the ridge on Thursday, bringing cloudy skies and showers.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Residents and businesses in Tompkins County should monitor the weather forecasts and be prepared for the potential of minor to moderate flooding in downstream areas due to the heavy rainfall expected further north. Local authorities may need to issue advisories or take precautionary measures if flood concerns arise.