This summer may have had a cool, rainy start, but the second half looks drier and warmer, especially over the next couple days.
“This week, the heat is on,” said National Weather Meteorologist John Hitchcock. “Interior portions of Western New York [will be in the] low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday. As you get closer to the lake, well into the 80s.”
Hitchcock says it is important to take precautions during hot weather. People who work outside should take breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water. Also, people should keep their pets in mind. Hitchcock says pets should not be kept outside for extended periods of time and need to stay hydrated.
If you’re looking for wind or rain to cool you down, Hitchcock says don’t count on much. A weak cold front could lead to widely scattered showers Wednesday night, but nothing widespread. Over the weekend, he says there may be hit-or-miss showers or thunderstorms, but most areas will stay dry.
“It looks like we’re finally getting out of that very wet pattern we’ve been in during June and the first half of July,” Hitchcock said.
Hitchcock also says there will not be much wind to complement the heat Tuesday, but there may be more of a breeze Wednesday.
Although summer is barely half over, some people are already wondering about next winter’s weather and whether it will be as frigid as last winter. Hitchcock says, maybe not. He said it could be a warm winter, practically unheard of in Western New York.
“One thing we are looking at for this winter, there is an El Niño developing in the Pacific,” Hitchcock said. “And it does look like it could become a fairly strong El Niño. So if that does happen, if we do get a strong El Niño, then favor a warmer than normal winter. But we’ll have to wait and see how that pans out over the next few months.”
“El Niño” refers to a band of warm ocean water. Hitchcock adds summer weather is no indication of the potential winter to come and "only time will tell."
