Fog and low clouds rolled over wide stretches of New York City early Friday, April 3, cutting visibility along the harbor and putting the brakes on the morning commute. Temperatures started in the low to mid 40s, but are expected to climb into the mid to upper 60s by this afternoon. Boaters and ferry riders should brace for delays and murky views near the coast. A cold front is on track for Sunday, which will bring steadier rain and set up a cooler stretch into next week.
Foggy Morning Commute
Visibility has dropped to a quarter mile or less in coastal neighborhoods and along the East River, which is making bridge and ramp traffic slower than usual. Drivers are urged to stick with low beams, ease off the gas, and leave extra room to stop. Commuters should plan for longer waits for ferries and be ready for possible flight delays at the eastern airports. Wet pavement and patchy fog are reason enough to head out earlier than you normally would.
What Forecasters Say
According to the National Weather Service, a warm front will lift through late this morning into the afternoon, which should allow for partial clearing and a high near 67°F on Friday. The agency has a Dense Fog Advisory in effect for several coastal waters through 2 p.m. EDT and Small Craft Advisories on parts of the ocean into early Saturday, with seas and visibility expected to remain hazardous. Forecasters say a cold front is set to move through on Sunday, with new rainfall totals of roughly a quarter to a half inch possible in some locations.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday is expected to be milder, though confidence is a bit shaky, since a stubborn marine layer may keep clouds draped over the coast and allow for a few afternoon showers. Sunday still looks like the wettest day in the short term, with showers and gusty winds as the front pushes through. For more background on how this pattern is shaping up, see the stormy setup behind it. Cooler, drier air should settle in by Monday and hold into next week.
Boaters and Ferry Riders
With both the Dense Fog Advisory and Small Craft Advisories in place, mariners are urged to skip nonessential coastal trips and expect trimmed schedules for ferries and recreational runs. If you absolutely need to head out, file a float plan, bring proper lights and life jackets, and check with your carrier before leaving the dock. Local authorities may delay or cancel trips as conditions evolve.
Quick Tips For Commuters
For Friday, a jacket will come in handy for the cool, damp start, and a lighter layer will suit the milder afternoon. Give yourself extra time on surface routes and avoid sudden lane changes in the fog. If you have outdoor plans for Sunday, consider shifting them earlier in the weekend or moving things indoors until the front is through.
