Relief from the oppressive heat and humidity is on its way.
A cold front will move through Western New York Sunday night that will usher in cooler-than-normal temperatures for the coming week. In fact, National Weather Service Meteorologist Steven Welch said he doesn't expect Sunday's weather will be as oppressive as recent days.
"Today (Sunday) looks like it will be in the mid 80s and not quite as humid," Welch said. "It will cool down for the rest of the week. Temperatures will be below normal."
Still, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says three cooling centers will operate Sunday for residents seeking relief -- the Delavan-Grider Community Center from 10am-2pm, the Gloria Parks Community Center from 9am-1pm and the William-Emslie YMCA Senior Center from 1-5pm.
Welch said cloud cover over the immediate Buffalo area from showers and thunderstorms the past two days, plus Lake Erie breezes, protected our area from the excessive heat that had been forecast. The thermometer at the airport weather station failed to top 90 degrees either day. But Welch said readings above 90 were reported well inland.
Severe thunderstorms moved through parts of Western New York Saturday night. Niagara County was hardest hit. The National Weather Service said a tree limb brought down some power lines in Lockport. And there was some wind damage in Barker, where sparking power lines were reported.