Syracuse, N.Y. — Up to an inch of rain could fall in Upstate New York today and Thursday, helping to ease pre-drought conditions from an extended dry spell.
While few severe storms are expected, isolated thunderstorms could dump heavy rain and cause minor flooding.
"With the locally heavy downpours expected, some minor flooding of low-lying, poor drainage or urban areas cannot be ruled out," said the National Weather Service in Albany, where the heaviest rain is expected.
"This could allow for some minor rises on rivers and streams, but no flooding is anticipated on main stem rivers."
Storms will move quickly, limiting the chances for flooding.
Rain will move into Western New York this morning and reach Central New York by early afternoon.
It could continue on and off through Thursday morning.
Last week, about half of New York state was considered "abnormally dry," the step before a drought is declared.
Therefore, this week’s report won’t include rain from today, so it might exaggerate the extent of dryness.
A heat wave this weekend, however, is likely to exacerbate any potential drought.