Light Lake Snow to Drop South Through Saturday Night

Clearing Expected by Sunday Afternoon in Rochester, NY

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A cold weather system is bringing light lake snow to the Rochester, New York area through Saturday night, with accumulations of up to 2 inches expected in the Finger Lakes region. Temperatures will remain frigid, with wind chills near -10 degrees in the Finger Lakes and around 0 degrees in Rochester. The snow showers are expected to taper off by Sunday afternoon as skies begin to clear.

Why it matters

The persistent lake effect snow and bitter cold temperatures are common winter weather patterns for the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, but can still disrupt travel and daily activities. Residents will need to bundle up and be prepared for the wintry conditions over the next couple of days.

The details

The lake snow showers will start northwest of Rochester and gradually move south through the evening, with the highest accumulations of 1-2 inches expected in the higher terrain of the Finger Lakes region. Winds will stay mainly out of the north at 5-10 mph with occasional gusts up to 20 mph. Temperatures will be frigid, with overnight lows around -5 degrees and wind chills as low as -10 degrees.

  • The lake snow showers will start northwest of Rochester and gradually move south through Saturday night.
  • By Sunday morning, Rochester will see around 1 inch of snow, while the Finger Lakes region could see 1-2 inches.
  • The snow showers will taper off by Sunday afternoon as skies begin to clear.
  • Temperatures will remain bitterly cold, with overnight lows around -5 degrees and wind chills as low as -10 degrees.
  • Monday will bring a break from the lake effect snow and bitter cold, with temperatures reaching a high of 21 degrees.

The players

Rochester, New York

A city in western New York known for its harsh winter weather, including frequent lake effect snow and bitter cold temperatures.

Finger Lakes region

A scenic area in central New York known for its many lakes and rolling hills, which can experience heavier snowfall than the surrounding areas.

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What they’re saying

“Though northerly winds over Lake Ontario will bring these snow showers inland, we lose out on deep moisture in the lower atmosphere which will greatly limit snowfall accumulation.”

— Victoria McIlvain, News10NBC Meteorologist

What’s next

The next system to watch for will arrive on Friday into Saturday, bringing more arctic air and wind-driven snow showers back to the region.

The takeaway

Residents of the Rochester and Finger Lakes region should be prepared for the persistent lake effect snow and frigid temperatures over the next couple of days, but can look forward to a break in the wintry weather by the start of the workweek.