Pleasant afternoon ahead, but showers return Thursday

Midday Wednesday, and the northwest breeze is doing exactly what a late-June afternoon should — 71° in Geneva under a mainly clear sky, humidity sitting at a comfortable 59 percent. This is a good afternoon to get outside.

Highs across the region will top out in the mid to upper 70s this afternoon, with Watkins Glen and Ithaca nudging closest to 79° and 78° respectively. The light NW flow holds through sunset around 8:50 PM, keeping overnight lows in the mid to upper 50s.

The window closes Thursday. NWS Buffalo flags increasing showers and thunderstorm chances as a shortwave drops through the Great Lakes, with a marginal severe risk across the western Southern Tier during the afternoon and evening. A warm frontal passage Thursday morning could blanket the area in cloud cover early, limiting instability — but enough energy remains that a few stronger storms can’t be ruled out late.

That sets up a damp start to the IMSA WeatherTech weekend at The Glen. Friday brings light drizzle and a 50 percent rain chance through practice and qualifying, with Saturday’s support races carrying similar odds. Sunday’s Six Hours of The Glen looks like the best of the three race days — mainly clear skies and a high near 81°, solid conditions for endurance racing and the heavy Route 14 and 414 traffic that comes with it.

Weather Center forecast for the Finger Lakes region. Sourced from NWS, Open-Meteo, NWS Area Forecast Discussion, and USGS stream-flow data. Updated 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM ET.

Stay Informed: Finger Lakes news, delivered to your inbox every morning.