New York, New York – Umbrellas swayed along rain-soaked sidewalks late this morning as low clouds wrapped around Midtown towers and visibility dipped near the Hudson River crossings. Wet pavement, fog and steady rain continue to slow traffic across the city, especially near the FDR Drive, Cross Bronx Expressway and stretches of I-95 where spray from passing vehicles is reducing visibility fast. Plan extra travel time through the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, periods of rain and fog will continue through today with temperatures holding near 53 degrees across Central Park and much of the metro area. Some neighborhoods could pick up another quarter inch of rainfall before conditions briefly improve later tonight. Meteorologists are also tracking scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms returning by Memorial Day afternoon as warmer air begins pushing north into the Northeast.
The bigger shift arrives Tuesday into Wednesday. After several days of damp, chilly spring weather, temperatures jump into the middle and upper 70s across New York City, Newark and Long Island. Clouds linger, but longer dry stretches should return by Tuesday afternoon. By Wednesday, partial sunshine and milder air could finally bring a taste of early summer to the region.
Drivers should still stay alert through Monday. Fog may redevelop during the late-night and early-morning hours near bridges, parkways and low-lying roads. A few stronger thunderstorms south and west of the city could also produce brief gusty winds and small hail Monday afternoon, though widespread severe weather is not expected for the metro.
The eastern half of the country remains locked in an active spring weather pattern through Memorial Day, with additional rounds of rain stretching from the Mid-Atlantic into New England. For now, New York escapes the worst flooding concerns, but soaked ground and repeated showers could still create isolated ponding on roads and slower commutes.
Longer-range outlooks now hint at above-normal temperatures developing late next week, bringing stronger “summer vibes” back into the Northeast after this extended stretch of gray skies and cool air.
Five Day Outlook for New York City, New York
- Memorial Day: Showers and isolated thunderstorms possible, especially afternoon. High near 70.
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with improving conditions late. High near 75.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and warmer. High near 78.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and mild. High near 79.
- Friday: Mostly sunny with seasonable warmth continuing. High near 75.
