New York City woke up Thursday, April 23, in a chilly gray blanket, with fog, low clouds and mist holding temperatures near 45°F at the city's reporting station and humidity running high. The dreary start is not expected to last long, though, as the murk clears quickly and gives way to a sunny, warm and gusty afternoon, with highs pushing up toward 71°F.
Afternoon Winds Kick In
By afternoon, northwest winds are expected to ramp up to about 5–16 mph, with widespread gusts near 30 mph and a few stronger bursts possible during the peak heating of the day. According to the National Weather Service, the combination of warm, dry and gusty conditions will create a "localized elevated risk of fire spread" in exposed grassy or brushy areas. That means it is a good idea to secure loose outdoor items and skip the open flames while the wind is at its strongest from midday into the late afternoon. The steadiest gusts are likely from midday through late afternoon as mixing pulls the stronger winds down to street level.
Weekend Turns Cooler And Wetter
A frontal system is on track to slide in on Saturday, April 25, bringing mostly cloudy skies and periods of rain, with highs dropping into the upper 40s to around 49°F. Showers are likely Saturday, and some neighborhoods could see about a half to three-quarters of an inch of rain, with steadier showers potentially hanging on into Sunday morning. Forecasters say guidance has trended wetter and slower for the weekend, so it is smart to keep a backup rain plan for any outdoor events.
Commute, Plans And Safety Check
For the Thursday rush-hour commute, early-morning fog may cut visibility, especially near the water, so give yourself extra time if you are driving or walking along the waterfront. Around the city, residents are urged to avoid open burning and be extra careful with grills and fire pits while gusts are possible; you can consult the FDNY guide for local rules and restrictions. Boaters and waterfront commuters should note that marine conditions are forecast to stay below Small Craft Advisory levels for now, although easterly gusts could increase as the weekend system approaches.
Keep an eye on updated forecasts through the afternoon and check official channels if winds strengthen or if showers start to arrive earlier than currently expected. This space will be updated if any watches or advisories are issued.
