Honestly, if you’re looking up the weather for Sodus NY, you’re probably either planning a fishing trip to the Point or wondering if you need to shovel the driveway for the third time today. Sodus is one of those places where the sky doesn't just "do" weather; it performs. Being tucked right against the southern shore of Lake Ontario means we live in a microclimate that can be incredibly fickle.
You’ve got the lake acting like a giant heater in the fall and a massive air conditioner in the spring. It's weird. You can stand on the beach at Sodus Point and feel a biting 15-knot wind coming off the water, while two miles inland at the village, people are sitting on their porches in t-shirts.
The Lake Ontario "Snow Machine" is No Joke
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: lake-effect snow. Most people think "snow is snow," but Sodus residents know better. When cold Arctic air screams across the relatively warm, unfrozen waters of Lake Ontario, it picks up a massive amount of moisture. This isn't your average "winter wonderland" dusting.
Basically, the lake "primes" the air, and then as soon as that air hits the shoreline and starts to rise over the land, it dumps. We call it the snow machine. It’s localized as heck. You might see 10 inches of powder in Sodus while Williamson—literally a ten-minute drive away—is seeing nothing but overcast skies.
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Right now, looking at the data for Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re seeing exactly how this plays out. The temperature is sitting at a crisp 24°F, but with that southwest wind moving at 8 mph, the "feels like" temperature is actually a much sharper 16°F. It’s cloudy, which is pretty much the default setting for January in Wayne County.
What the Forecast Actually Looks Like
If you're heading out tonight or tomorrow, keep an eye on the sky. Today’s high is expected to hit 25°F, with a low of 18°F tonight. While the chance of precipitation during the day is only 10%, that jumps to 20% tonight as snow showers move in.
- Wind Direction Matters: That southwest wind is currently around 8 to 12 mph. In Sodus, wind direction is everything. A southwest wind often keeps the heaviest lake-effect bands north of us, but if that wind shifts even a few degrees to the west or northwest, things get real, real fast.
- Humidity: We’re looking at around 55% humidity today. That’s relatively dry for us, which means any snow we do get tonight will likely be that light, fluffy stuff rather than the heavy, heart-attack snow that sticks to your shovel.
- Visibility: With the current cloud cover at 71%, don't expect to see much of a sunset over the water.
Why Farmers Care More Than You Do
Sodus isn't just a lake town; it's apple country. The weather for Sodus NY dictates the livelihoods of families who have been farming this land for generations. The lake creates a "buffer" that protects the orchards from early frosts in the fall and late freezes in the spring.
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But it’s a double-edged sword. A "false spring" in March can trick the apple blossoms into opening early. If a cold snap follows—which it usually does—the entire crop can be wiped out in a single night. This is why you’ll see those massive wind machines in the orchards; they’re trying to move the air and keep the frost from settling on the delicate buds.
Living With the "Grey Blanket"
If you aren't from around here, the "Grey Blanket" might get to you. From November through March, the sky over Sodus is overcast about 70% of the time. It’s just the price we pay for being near the water. The lake moisture creates a persistent cloud deck that can feel a bit oppressive if you’re used to the sunshine of the south.
But then summer hits.
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Honestly, there is nowhere better than Sodus in July. The lake that dumped six feet of snow on you in January is now a cooling breeze that keeps the humidity down. While the rest of New York is sweltering in 90-degree heat, Sodus stays a comfortable 78°F. The "best" months for weather are undeniably July and August, where the chance of a clear sky jumps up to 65%.
How to Prepare for Sodus Conditions
If you're visiting or new to the area, you've gotta dress in layers. It's a cliché for a reason.
- Check the Marine Forecast: If you’re at the Point, the land forecast is useless. You need to know what’s happening on the water. Wind speeds on the lake are often double what they are inland.
- Respect the "Feels Like": 24°F sounds manageable, but with the lake wind, it's 16°F. That’s the difference between a brisk walk and frostnip.
- Snow Tires Aren't Optional: Seriously. If you’re driving Route 104 in the winter, you need real tires. The lake-effect bands can create whiteout conditions in seconds.
The weather here is a living thing. It’s a mix of Great Lakes geography and a little bit of bad attitude from the Arctic. Whether you're watching the waves crash against the lighthouse or checking your apple trees for frost, Sodus weather keeps you on your toes.
Stay warm out there. Keep an eye on that southwest wind—if it shifts west, you might want to find your snow boots.
Next steps for you:
- Check the local marine forecast if you plan to be within a mile of the shoreline.
- Monitor wind direction shifts; a move from southwest to west-northwest usually signals incoming lake-effect bands.
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter-grade washer fluid, as the road salt on 104 can cloud a windshield in seconds.