As of Monday, June 22, 2026, New York City is starting out clear and mild around 70°F, but that calm will not stick around for long. A Flood Watch and a strong chance of showers and thunderstorms are set to take over the afternoon and evening, with heavy, repeated downpours that could trigger urban flash flooding in poor-drainage spots and slow tonight's commute. Ocean beaches and marine interests should also brace for rougher surf and a growing rip-current threat later today.
What To Expect This Afternoon
Showers will build through the morning, with the main window for thunderstorms arriving from late morning into this evening. Temperatures should top out near 75°F before slipping back into the low 70s. A Flood Watch is in effect from 2 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The National Weather Service reports that heavy downpours could drop around 2 inches of rain per hour, with most locations picking up 1-2 inches and localized totals up to 3 inches. Expect brief bursts of torrential rain, poor visibility on city streets, and ponding that can make surface travel slow or hazardous.
Timing And Travel Impacts
Southerly winds will ramp up this evening and continue into the overnight hours, with gusts as high as 30 mph possible and stronger gusts inside thunderstorms. The evening commute on Monday, June 22, 2026, is most at risk for slowdowns from flash flooding and standing water, so drivers should avoid flooded underpasses and build in extra travel time. Transit riders should keep an eye on service alerts and be ready for delays where heavy rain limits visibility or floods tracks.
Coastal And Marine Concerns
Onshore winds and building waves will push the rip-current risk to high after 5 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, at ocean beaches from New York City through western Suffolk. Small Craft Advisories are in effect for many local waters tonight. Swimmers should stay in lifeguarded areas at Coney Island, Rockaway, and other Atlantic beaches, and small boat operators should avoid launching into choppy conditions. For local safety resources, cooling centers, and shelter information, visit NYC Emergency Management.
How To Prepare
Plan on getting wet. Pack a rain jacket, secure porch or balcony furniture, and move valuables out of basements if you live in a flood-prone building. Avoid driving through standing water and keep an alternate route in mind for evening travel on Monday and into the overnight hours. Keep phones and other devices charged, and follow instructions from local officials as conditions evolve overnight into Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
