New York City wakes up Wednesday to a crisp, clear start, with temperatures sitting near 39°F (about 4°C) and light southwest breezes early on. It stays mostly dry and partly sunny, with the afternoon high landing near 52°F, though readings slide back a few degrees later in the day.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds are the main storyline as the day goes on, generally running 5 to 13 mph through the afternoon and picking up into the evening. Coastal spots and airports may see higher gusts as the breeze strengthens. If you are out on the water or trekking across one of the big bridges, plan on a windproof layer, since those blustery gusts will make it feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
Rain Arrives Late Thursday Night Into Friday Morning
The dry streak does not last long. Rain is expected to move in late Thursday night, Thursday, March 26, with the steadiest and heaviest rain likely from around midnight into the early hours of Friday, March 27. The forecast calls for a high chance of rain, with new rainfall totals between about a quarter and a half inch and temperatures climbing into the upper 50s overnight before cooling again on Friday, according to the National Weather Service New York.
Boaters Should Heed Advisories
Conditions on the ocean will turn rougher, with a Small Craft Advisory in effect for portions of the local ocean and offshore waters Thursday into part of Friday. Southerly gusts could reach around 30 knots and seas will be building. If you have plans on Long Island Sound or out on the Atlantic, consider delaying departures and check with your operator for the latest safety guidance before you cast off.
Commute Tips
Wet streets and a damp Friday morning commute are likely, so budget extra time for buses, cars, and cabs, and watch for puddles at crosswalks and station entrances. For real time service updates, check MTA Service Status before you head out the door.
Bottom line: enjoy the mild, partly sunny Wednesday, but stash an umbrella for Thursday night into Friday. A colder, drier weekend follows, with daytime highs dropping back into the 40s by Saturday.
