Here Is What's Happening In Western New York: Thursday Edition

Check out today's top trending stories in Western New York.

1 - Today will be a cold and windy day across Western New York. We are still under a lake effect snow warning for parts of the Southtowns and Southern Tier until Sunday night at 6pm and we could see a couple of inches of snow across the area. Travel could be impacted as the winds could blow that snow causing some problems. We are looking at a high of only 34 today.

2 - While today might be cold, 2024 turned out to be the warmest year in history in Buffalo. According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the average daily temperature in Buffalo for 2024 was 53 degrees which was almost one degree warmer than the previous record of 52.1 degrees which was set in 2012. 2024 also had the fewest amount of days that fell below freezing with 92. The old record was 102 and that was set in 2006.

3 - Josh Allen will play at least one series in Sunday’s regular-season finale. The Bills have already clinched the #2 seed in the AFC playoff race, but Allen said his consecutive start streak is important to him. He has played in 115 straight games and will start game 116 this Sunday as the Bills take on the Patriots on the road. Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 1 p.m. and can be seen locally on WIVB Channel 4.

4- The first Powerball drawing of 2025 didn’t produce a millionaire, but one lucky New York resident won a lot of money. The New York State lottery announced that one “Big Money” winning ticket was sold from last night’s drawing. That ticket matched four out of five numbers and also had the Powerball, and won the 3^rd place prize of $50,000. You can get the winning numbers anytime using the station APP.

5 – Need some extra cash? Now is the perfect time to see if New York State owes you any money. The State has over $19 Billion dollars in unclaimed funds and it only takes a couple of minutes to see if any of that money is yours. Also in New York State, there is no deadline to claim the money, so you could be owed money from 5,10 even 20 years ago, you can also check to see if your parents or spouses are owed any money at the State Comptroller’s website.

6 - Time is running out for you to get your REAL ID in New York State. The deadline to get your new license is May 7^th of this year. That date has been pushed back several times over the past several years due to COVID and other reasons but every driver in New York will need to make the switch by the deadline.

7 – We have another great “We Are Buffalo” deal on sale this week for you. You can get a $50 gift card to Joey’s Place in North Tonawanda for only $25 bucks. They have amazing Italian and American style food including homemade pasta, lasagna, and turkey dinners. Don’t miss this deal, get it tomorrow morning at 9 am, just click the “We Are Buffalo Deals” button on the station APP.

8- The largest craft beer festival in New York State returns to Buffalo in 2025. Buffalo on Tap is coming back on Saturday, February 8^th at the Buffalo Convention Center. There will be over 150 beers, ciders, seltzers, and more. It is all presented by Consumer Beverages, ECMC, Transitowne Ram, Buffalo Gift Emporium, Buffalo-Local, and Buffalo Brew Pub and part of the proceeds benefit WNY Heros. Get your tickets right now at buffaloontap.com