Rainy trend continues in New York City
New York City is in for another soggy stretch, as midweek storms return just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. After a short break in the rain, Wednesday brings back the wet pattern that has defined much of May.
Wednesday starts dry, but won’t stay that way
The morning hours will begin relatively dry, especially in New York City, with only light showers developing over central and southern New Jersey. These early sprinkles will be minor, barely enough to get your windshield wipers going.
By late morning, however, expect more widespread and persistent rainfall across the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Afternoon conditions will turn significantly wetter, setting the tone for what looks to be a cold and gloomy stretch.
Heaviest rainfall arrives Wednesday night
The most intense downpours are forecast for Wednesday night into early Thursday. By Thursday morning’s commute, Long Island will bear the brunt of the rain, though showers will linger elsewhere as well. Be prepared to step into puddles and misty streets across the five boroughs.
Strong northeast winds and colder-than-normal air
In addition to the rain, northeast winds will pick up. Expect steady breezes between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, especially through Thursday. These winds, combined with the damp conditions, will keep temperatures feeling even chillier.
Normal highs for late May hover around 72°F (22°C), but both Wednesday and Thursday will only reach highs between 50°F and 55°F (10°C to 13°C) — about 15 to 20 degrees below average. These values are more reminiscent of March than late spring, so sweaters and hoodies will be essential.
Slow improvement by Friday
Weather conditions begin to gradually improve on Friday. While skies may not completely clear, there will be fewer showers, and temperatures will start a slow climb. Still, don’t expect a full return to seasonal warmth right away.
Highs on Friday will hover around 60°F (16°C) — still well below the norm for Memorial Day weekend.
Cool but pleasant holiday weekend
Heading into the three-day weekend, the cool theme continues. Saturday and Sunday will remain in the 60s°F (16–20°C), while Memorial Day Monday finally touches 70°F (21°C). It will be the warmest and sunniest of the three days, making it a good option for outdoor gatherings.
That said, if you’re planning a beach trip, the weather may feel deceiving. Even if it’s mild on shore, ocean temperatures are still lingering in the low 50s°F (10–12°C) — far too cold for a comfortable swim.
A springlike start to the summer season
Despite lacking beach-worthy heat, this Memorial Day weekend could still be one of the driest in recent years — a welcome change after a series of rain-soaked holidays. But before that, New Yorkers will need to endure another bout of drenching midweek rain.
