New York City is facing a potentially dangerous weather pattern this Thursday, June 19, 2025, with the threat of severe thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts and localized hail, just ahead of an intense heat wave expected to build into early next week.
Severe weather in New York City today
This afternoon, warm air combined with high humidity will fuel instability across the Tri-State area, setting the scene for scattered storms starting around 1 p.m. and intensifying between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. These storms could disrupt the evening commute, trigger flight delays across the Northeast corridor, and potentially bring short-lived tornadoes.
Meteorologist Audrey Puente of FOX 5 NY emphasized the importance of the timing, noting that “damaging winds will be the primary concern, but expect heavy rainfall, small hail and the possibility of an isolated tornado.” Wind gusts could reach 60 mph, especially within the most intense thunderstorm cells.
Latest NWS severe weather outlook
The National Weather Service (NWS) has elevated the risk for severe weather across Northeastern New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and parts of Southwestern Connecticut. Most of New Jersey is under an “enhanced risk,” which implies higher confidence in severe storms producing large hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes.
Meanwhile, New York City, Long Island, and Connecticut fall under a “slight risk,” meaning scattered severe storms are possible, with an elevated threat of wind damage and hail formation.
Thursday weather details for NYC
This afternoon brings a 30% chance of thunderstorms, with a high around 86°F (30°C). Showers and storms may persist through the evening, gradually clearing after 2 a.m., with overnight lows near 70°F (21°C). The NWS warns of “organized lines of thunderstorms** and multicell clusters,” particularly between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the most severe impacts expected during that window.
By Friday, skies will clear, and sunshine returns, with temperatures near 81°F (27°C).
Storm threats and what to expect locally
Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, the main threats include wind gusts above 58 mph, downpours, minor urban flooding, and pocket hail. An isolated tornado remains a low but real possibility, especially in Southern Westchester County and parts of North Jersey.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued until 9 p.m. for much of the Tri-State region, as models continue to show the potential for bowing storm structures and rapidly intensifying clusters.
Weather New York: Heat wave builds early next week
As storms move out, New York City will turn toward a sweltering pattern from Sunday through Thursday. While air temperatures are expected to peak in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (31–33°C), the heat index—what it feels like due to humidity—could easily exceed 100°F (38°C).
Starting Sunday, highs will reach 86°F (30°C) under partly sunny skies. Monday and Tuesday bring bright sunshine and climbing highs of 88°F (31°C) and 90°F (32°C), respectively. By Wednesday, the heat wave continues with similar conditions.
Despite the uncomfortable stretch, it’s worth noting that New York City has hit the 100°F (38°C) mark only three times in June in recorded history. Still, the NWS may issue heat advisories, excessive heat watches, or warnings as conditions warrant in the coming days.
