Syracuse, N.Y. — As temperatures continue to climb in Central New York this week, a new warm-weather record was set for Syracuse on Thursday.
It was 85 degrees at Hancock International Airport by 5:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The previous record for May 12 was 84 degrees, set in 2014.
The temperatures should quickly drop Thursday night, reaching a low of about 59 degrees. It is also expected to be partly cloudy.
The forecast Friday is 85 degrees; the record for May 13 is 86, set in 2004.
Syracuse has seen no rainfall this week, and the hot and dry conditions led the weather service to issue an alert for an elevated risk of wildfires Thursday in Central New York. All of New York state is considered at high risk of wildfires through Friday, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
Temperatures over the weekend will be in the low 80s, not as hot as the next couple of days but still well above the normal of 69 degrees this time of year. We’ll be closer to normal, and even below, by next week. The high next Wednesday is expected to be just 64.
More showers are likely Monday and Tuesday.
The longer-term forecast calls for less heat and more rain in the second half of May. The Climate Prediction Center, a part of the weather service, said Central New York is likely to get more rain than normal starting late next week.
Staff writer James McClendon covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach him at 914-204-2815 or jmcclendon@syracuse.com.