New York, NY – Rain soaked much of New York in May, with Central Park recording 166% of its normal rainfall, making it the 15th wettest May on record. While parts of the metro stayed cooler than average, Kennedy and Islip ran up to 2 degrees above normal during a volatile spring month.
According to the National Weather Service New York, temperature swings varied sharply across the region. Central Park averaged 62.3°F—just under a degree below normal—while Kennedy Airport hit 62.6°F, more than two degrees above average and ranking as its 16th warmest May. Newark and LaGuardia also recorded highs into the upper 80s, including Newark’s 88°F peak on May 3.
Islip emerged as the 10th warmest May in its recorded history, ending the month with 6.47 inches of rain. LaGuardia and Bridgeport followed suit, with 143% and 115% of their typical precipitation, respectively. Rain totals hit 6.58 inches in Central Park alone, soaking roads, slowing commutes, and flooding low-lying areas during several mid-month systems.
Residents across the tri-state were urged to monitor storm drains, limit unnecessary travel during heavy rain events, and stay updated on flood advisories throughout the month.
While most of New York dried out heading into June, more unsettled weather could return early next week.
