Windy and warmer conditions are blowing into the Buffalo-Niagara region, replacing the mid-winter cold and snow that has dominated the weather pattern in Western New York in recent weeks.
"We do have warmer weather on the way for today, and especially tomorrow," National Weather Service meteorologist John Hitchcock tells WBEN. "We'll have highs close to 40 today, and then well into the 40's, maybe even hitting 50 tomorrow."
The forecast conditions will represent the warmest days we've experienced since November.
But, there is a price on the moderating temperatures.
"We've traded snow for wind, this week," Hitchcock cautions.
A Wind Advisory is posted Wednesday for the Niagara Frontier, including metro Buffalo.
"Winds will peak this morning, with gusts up to 50 mph," Hitchcock notes. "The winds will gradually subside this afternoon, then another round of wind comes in later Thursday...winds may gust 35 to 45 mph in most areas. But up to 60 mph along the Lake Erie shore in Chautauqua County."
A High Wind Watch is posted for Chautauqua County Thursday night.
Much colder air will pour back into the eastern Great Lakes Friday.
The airmass will grow cold enough to support a lake response by late morning or early afternoon, with a brief period of lake effect snow east of the lake.
White Christmas?
So, with this windy warmup, what are our chances for a white Christmas?
"It's looking like less than normal odds for a white Christmas, the way things look now" Hitchcock surmises. "With this big warmup in the next few days, we're going to lose a lot of the snow, if not most of it."
There are a few shots of snow possible going into the pre-Christmas weekend.
But then?
"It warms up again, next week, before Christmas. So, right now, it's not looking too good for a white Christmas."
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON
* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE...The Niagara Frontier.
* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST this afternoon. The strongest winds will likely occur from just before daybreak through late morning.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT
* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible.
* WHERE...Chautauqua County. The strongest winds will likely be on the northern slope of the Chautauqua Ridge along the Lake Erie shore.
* WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night.
* IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down trees and power lines.
Scattered power outages are possible. Travel may be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The south winds will be a crosswind on the New York State Thruway.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. Secure or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of the strong winds.