The alert clock that’s been running since before midnight is the one I’m watching this morning — Extreme Heat Warnings from both NWS Buffalo and NWS Binghamton now cover every county in the Finger Lakes, and they don’t expire until Friday at 8:00 PM. That’s two more full days of dangerous heat.
At 5:45 AM, temperatures are already in the low-to-mid 70s across the region, with humidity values pushing into the upper 80s in the valleys. Watkins Glen and Corning are sitting at 74° and 72° respectively, and the air is already thick — heat index values will climb fast once the sun gets fully up. Ithaca and Watkins Glen are both projected to hit 102° this afternoon, while Geneva and Canandaigua top out near 96°. The NWS Buffalo discussion points to heat index values peaking in the 105 to 109°F range across the Finger Lakes through the afternoon — that is not a number to take lightly.
A ridge of high pressure anchored over the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic is keeping this heat dome locked in place. Expect mainly clear skies through the morning, with dangerous heat building by midday. Some isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible late afternoon into the evening — not a guaranteed washout, but keep an eye on the sky if you’re outdoors. Overnight lows will offer virtually no relief, staying in the mid-to-upper 70s.
Looking ahead: Friday stays hot under the Extreme Heat Warning before the dome gradually breaks down. Independence Day Saturday sees high temperatures drop to near 83° in Geneva, with a 45 percent chance of light drizzle — the heat relents, but fireworks visibility could be a question mark. Sunday through Monday brings highs in the low 80s with lingering shower chances. Not a perfect holiday weekend, but dramatically more bearable than today.
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.