December has ushered in an intense cold snap across Western New York, significantly dropping temperatures in the region. Near Rochester, residents have reported temperatures over 10 degrees colder than the historical averages for this time of year.
Freezing Temperatures and Record Cold
Since the start of the month, the region has recorded air temperatures in the single digits on four occasions. Areas south of Rochester have experienced sub-zero temperatures at least twice. As of now, the average temperature for December stands at just 23.1 degrees.
This early cold spell has the potential to rank among the top ten coldest Decembers on record for the area. Predictions suggest that colder-than-normal weather will persist for at least the next two weeks.
Snow Forecast for Rochester
With the freezing temperatures, the question of snow naturally arises. The forecast indicates that some snow is on the way. However, forecasters do not anticipate any major snow events in Rochester at this time.
Winter Weather Advisory in Effect
- A winter weather advisory is currently in effect for areas west of Rochester from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 10 a.m. Wednesday.
- Snow accumulations in these areas may range from 2 to 4 inches.
- Near Rochester, snow is expected to amount to about one inch by Wednesday evening.
The bulk of the snowfall is projected to occur after midnight, affecting Wednesday morning commutes. Small snow amounts can significantly impact travel times, so it is advisable for commuters to stay informed.
Upcoming Snow Chances
A second opportunity for snowfall will arrive late Wednesday and continue through late Friday. A winter storm watch is currently issued for Wayne County during this timeframe.
As a cold front moves through, winds will shift to the northwest, potentially generating lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario. Although it’s still early to predict exact snowfall amounts, some communities to the east of Rochester could face significant accumulations.
For continuous updates on the weather in the coming days, residents can rely on the latest forecasts available through the El-Balad platform.
