New York City is pulling a bit of a bait and switch on Thursday. The day starts off cloudy and cool, with temperatures in the upper 40s to around 51°F, then ramps up fast into a springlike afternoon. Inland spots should climb to near 70°F, while coastal neighborhoods hang back in the mid to upper 50s. A southwest breeze will strengthen through the day, and a cold front arriving late Thursday night into early Friday will drag in rain showers and stronger winds.
Afternoon Outlook
By this afternoon, southwest winds of 8 to 13 mph are expected, with gusts up to about 25 to 30 mph at exposed waterfronts and bridges. Most neighborhoods should stay dry and partly sunny through the afternoon, so lunch outside is still in play if you grab a sheltered spot. A slight chance of showers develops after about 5 p.m., mainly toward the evening commute, so having an umbrella near the door would not be the worst idea.
Tonight Into Friday
Showers will spread southeast late tonight with the passing front, then taper and move offshore by Friday morning for most areas. Rainfall amounts are expected to stay limited to a few tenths of an inch, with the best shot at higher totals northwest of the city. Friday turns noticeably cooler, with highs near 54°F and the potential for some lingering coastal showers during the morning commute.
Harbor And Small-Boat Advisory
Small craft advisories have been expanded this afternoon to include New York Harbor, Long Island bays and eastern Long Island Sound, and ocean conditions will stay hazardous into tonight. Small-boat operators should be ready for elevated seas and choppy conditions through the advisory period. See the National Weather Service in New York for full marine details.
Weekend Preview
Strong cold advection Friday night will flip the script and make Saturday unseasonably chilly, with highs only around 40 to 45°F and wind chills potentially in the upper teens to low 20s. There is a slight chance of a few wet snowflakes or a brief rain and snow mix early Saturday in parts of the suburbs before high pressure settles in and brings drier, milder weather Sunday into Monday.
What To Know Before You Head Out
Secure loose patio furniture, trash cans and any lightweight decor, and plan for gusty conditions this evening on bridges, waterfront promenades and at outdoor venues. Commuters should allow some extra time, especially if you are traveling during the later part of the day when showers may start to move in. For more background on this week’s wind and rain pattern, see our earlier coverage on the wild washout Monday.
