Rochester Sees Dramatic Temperature Swings This Week

Warm and sunny afternoons give way to cold mornings and messy precipitation

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

The Rochester, NY area is experiencing dramatic temperature swings this week, with cold, gray mornings giving way to sunny and mild afternoons. However, the warmer weather won't last, as forecasters predict a return to average or below average temperatures and messy precipitation later in the week.

Why it matters

Sudden shifts in weather patterns can impact daily activities, transportation, and energy usage. Understanding the forecast is crucial for residents to plan accordingly and stay safe during periods of changing conditions.

The details

This morning, the Rochester area saw cold temperatures, gray skies, fog, and some black ice. However, the day is expected to turn sunny and mild, with temperatures reaching near 50 degrees. Overnight lows will drop back down to the low 30s, potentially leading to more black ice on untreated surfaces. Tomorrow will bring cloudy skies and a mix of rain and freezing rain, mainly west of Interstate 390. Temperatures are then expected to rise dramatically, with highs near 70 degrees possible by the weekend. However, this warm stretch will be short-lived, with temperatures returning to average or below average levels by the second half of next week.

  • This morning, temperatures started out in the low 30s with gray skies, fog, and some black ice.
  • Temperatures are expected to reach near 50 degrees this afternoon as skies clear.
  • Overnight lows will drop back down to the low 30s, potentially leading to more black ice on untreated surfaces.
  • Tomorrow, a mix of rain and freezing rain is expected, mainly west of Interstate 390.
  • Temperatures will rise dramatically over the weekend, potentially reaching 70 degrees by Saturday.

The players

Nate Morris

A news reporter for WHEC News10NBC in Rochester, New York.

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What they’re saying

“If we do reach 70, it'll be the first time since October 19th.”

— Nate Morris, News Reporter (WHEC News10NBC)

What’s next

Forecasters will continue to monitor the weather patterns and provide updates on the potential for record-breaking temperatures and any hazardous weather conditions.

The takeaway

The Rochester area is experiencing a rollercoaster of weather this week, with cold mornings giving way to warm and sunny afternoons. While the warmer weather will be a welcome break, residents should be prepared for a return to more typical March temperatures and potential precipitation later in the week.