What should you know about Syracuse's weather?
- NWS office
- Binghamton (BGM)
- Climate
- Hot-summer humid continental
- Time zone
- EST/EDT
- Elevation
- 400 ft
- Coordinates
- 43.05° N, 76.15° W
- Nearest radar
- KTYX · Ft Drum NEXRAD · 54 mi
- County
- Onondaga County, NY
- Yearly rain
- 39.9 in
- Warmest month
- July · 71.8°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 24.1°F average
- Severe storm peak
- May to Jul
How much rain does Syracuse get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31.7 | 33.6 | 42.4 | 56.4 | 69.2 | 77.3 | 81.7 | 80.3 | 73.1 | 60.1 | 48.3 | 37.1 |
| Low °F | 16.5 | 17.5 | 25.2 | 36.2 | 47.3 | 56.7 | 62.0 | 60.4 | 52.7 | 42.4 | 32.7 | 23.7 |
| Rain (in) | 2.58 | 2.46 | 3.04 | 3.48 | 3.42 | 3.56 | 3.86 | 3.70 | 3.38 | 3.89 | 3.23 | 3.28 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.7 | 16.5 | 2.58 |
| Feb | 33.6 | 17.5 | 2.46 |
| Mar | 42.4 | 25.2 | 3.04 |
| Apr | 56.4 | 36.2 | 3.48 |
| May | 69.2 | 47.3 | 3.42 |
| Jun | 77.3 | 56.7 | 3.56 |
| Jul | 81.7 | 62.0 | 3.86 |
| Aug | 80.3 | 60.4 | 3.70 |
| Sep | 73.1 | 52.7 | 3.38 |
| Oct | 60.1 | 42.4 | 3.89 |
| Nov | 48.3 | 32.7 | 3.23 |
| Dec | 37.1 | 23.7 | 3.28 |
SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US · 5 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
How should I compare snow bands on Syracuse weather radar?
Compare the band with your entire route because nearby reporting sites can finish with different snow totals. During the January 1 to 5, 2025 lake-effect event, the official observation 2 miles southeast of North Syracuse was 16.1 inches. A volunteer report 1.0 mile west of Camillus measured 16.8 inches, while the site 4.6 miles northwest of Clay reported 8.6 inches. Those are location-specific event totals, so follow whether the band stalls or shifts before applying any one report to your driveway.
Can a large storm feed lake-enhanced snow well inland?
Yes, a large storm can sustain moisture and favorable winds that carry heavy lake-enhanced snow into the Syracuse area. During November 20 to 21, 2016, parts of the Syracuse area received as much as 36 inches over 36 hours. A slow-moving storm over northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes drew in Atlantic moisture, while air also flowed from Georgian Bay across western Lake Ontario. Widespread echoes in that pattern deserve attention alongside narrow bands; the snowfall threat is not confined to the immediate lakeshore.
What did the Labor Day derecho look like as it approached?
The Labor Day derecho approached as a line of thunderstorms, making the leading edge worth watching rather than only individual rain cores. The archived radar loop for September 7, 1998 shows that line crossing New York overnight. Hancock International Airport recorded a 75 mph gust during the storm. Treat a rapidly approaching line as a reason to finish outdoor preparations early and follow NWS Binghamton warnings.
Which creek gauge helps put flood risk in context?
The Onondaga Creek gauge near Nedrow links rising water upstream with documented flood impacts in Syracuse. Its historical crest list records 6.48 feet on July 3, 1974. NOAA lists flooding at Kirk Park beginning at 5 feet and closure of Lower Onondaga Park and the Creekwalk at 5.5 feet. These are gauge heights, not water depths on paths or streets. Compare repeated rain over the creek basin with the river forecast before using those parks.
When should you check the Syracuse radar?
Outdoor storm checks
May to JulyAbout 67% of Onondaga County's 1996 to 2025 severe reports fall in these months. Check for fast-moving lines before heading to Thornden Park, and plan where to shelter before rain reaches the park.
Heavy lake-effect risk
Mid-November to early MarchHeavy lake-effect snow becomes more likely by mid-November, with the risk easing from mid-February into early March. Before driving through Brewerton, look for a persistent band across the route rather than judging conditions from the view outside.
What else do people ask about the Syracuse radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Syracuse?
NWS Binghamton (BGM) issues forecasts and warnings for Syracuse. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KTYX, about 54 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Binghamton and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KTYX (Ft Drum NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Binghamton (BGM)
- Severe storms peak from May to July (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: EST/EDT
- Radar: KTYX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Binghamton (BGM)
- Severe storms: May to July
- Local time: EST/EDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Binghamton office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NWS Binghamton: Long-duration lake-effect snow observations
- National Weather Service: Lake-enhanced snow research abstracts
- NWS Binghamton: Labor Day derecho and radar archive
- NOAA National Water Prediction Service: Onondaga Creek gauge and flood impacts
- National Weather Service: Lake-effect snow preparedness and seasonality