New York, N.Y. – New York weather is shifting quickly late this morning as hazy skies give way to rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms that could flood streets in a matter of minutes. Wet pavement, reduced visibility and rapidly changing conditions may affect travel across the city through tonight, especially during the afternoon and evening when the strongest storms develop.
According to the National Weather Service, a Flood Watch remains in effect from 10 a.m. through late tonight for New York City, Westchester and portions of northeast New Jersey. Forecasters also highlight the potential for severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts, while an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Rainfall rates may reach 1.5 to 2 inches per hour, creating a heightened risk for urban flooding and water-covered roads.
Drivers should expect changing conditions on major routes including I-95, the Cross Bronx Expressway, FDR Drive and the New Jersey Turnpike. Ponding water may develop quickly in low-lying areas. Give yourself extra travel time, avoid driving through flooded streets and stay alert for rapidly changing weather warnings.
Another concern today is air quality. A state-issued Air Quality Alert remains in effect through midnight because elevated fine particle pollution could affect sensitive groups. People with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity until air quality improves.
Conditions improve noticeably on Sunday as sunshine returns and temperatures climb into the middle 80s. Early next week also looks mainly dry before another round of showers and thunderstorms returns Tuesday and may linger into Wednesday.
Keep weather alerts enabled throughout today, as additional warnings could be issued with little notice if storms strengthen or flooding develops. If you’re traveling later today, let others know what conditions you’re seeing in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Outlook for New York City, New York
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 84°F.
- Monday: Sunny, high near 80°F.
- Tuesday: Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms after afternoon, high near 81°F. Chance of rain 60%.
- Wednesday: Chance of showers and afternoon thunderstorms, high near 82°F. Chance of rain 50%.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high near 79°F. Signs point toward above-normal temperatures developing later next week.
