This column was written by Zachary Labe, who runs “Cornell Weather.”
Ithaca Is Bluegrass Jan. 23-25
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Ithaca, NY — Cold temperatures and dry conditions are likely for most of this week without any significant snowfall expected over at least the next seven days.
Tuesday will feature partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the 20s for most of the day. Clear skies, low humidity, and snow cover will allow temperatures to rapidly fall Tuesday night down to around 0ºF across the Ithaca area.
During the day Wednesday, clouds will increase across the area ahead of a weak Alberta Clipper storm system moving to our south. Some light snow is possible Wednesday afternoon and night, but any snow accumulations will likely remain below an inch or two.
Predominately cold and dry conditions will continue the rest of the week with occasional snow flurries at times. Temperatures will stay near climatological average values for this time of year with highs in the lower 30s and low temperatures in the 10s.
Another weak storm system accompanied by light snow will move across central New York State later in the weekend.
What about the temps?
The NOAA Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a 60-70% probability of below normal temperatures over the next two weeks so it appears the colder temperatures are here to last.
Additionally, there are signs the weather pattern may become more active toward later January so an enhanced risk of snowstorms may also exist.
According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University, Ithaca has reported 25.1 inches of snow so far this winter. The average snowfall to date is 29.3 inches, so we are slightly below normal for the season.
However, temperatures for the month of January are well below normal by -6.6ºF with the coldest temperature of -15ºF occurring overnight January 14th.
Meanwhile, enjoy the dry conditions this week as colder temperatures and perhaps snowier weather may be possible as we close out the month of January.