Friday, July 24, 2026 — New Yorkers finally woke up to a summer day that does not feel like a personal challenge from the sun. Skies are mostly clear, humidity is comfortable, and early morning temperatures in the upper 60s are set to climb to a mild high near 79°F this afternoon. Light east winds will build into a gentle harbor breeze by late day, making it a solid one for parks, stoops, and waterfront walks. High pressure will keep things dry through the weekend before a frontal system slides in late Monday into Tuesday, bringing showers and thunderstorms back into the mix.
Today
Sun should dominate through the afternoon, with temperatures topping out around 79°F and east winds around 3–12 mph. Coastal neighborhoods may notice a bit more breeze, but nothing that will flip your beach umbrella. Friday night stays mostly clear with a low near 68°F, with some inland spots hanging on a couple degrees warmer.
According to the National Weather Service, humidity will run lower than during the recent heat, which should make outdoor plans noticeably easier to tolerate.
Weekend Outlook
Dry, pleasant weather holds for both Saturday and Sunday, with highs near 78–80°F and humidity staying on the lower side for late July. Expect comfortable mornings and laid-back afternoons fit for parks, rooftop hangs, and waterfront strolls, with only light easterly breezes in the forecast. Overnight lows settle in the upper 60s to around 70°F, keeping nights relatively comfortable by city-in-July standards.
Background
This quieter stretch comes after a run of intense heat earlier in the month, a cool-down many residents have been waiting for. For a look back at that sweltering stretch and the city’s guidance during it, see our July coverage in NYC sizzles in July 4 heat.
Looking Ahead
Eyes turn to Monday, July 27, 2026, when a frontal system begins to approach and brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms after about 2 p.m. The high should land near 80°F, with forecasters putting the chance of rain at roughly 30% during the day.
Monday night into Tuesday, July 28, the unsettled weather becomes more of a sure thing. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, with the rain chance near 70% on Tuesday and the potential for some storms to deliver heavy downpours. Anyone with outdoor plans from Monday night through Tuesday may want a backup option ready and should keep an eye on timing and storm strength through local forecasts; the National Weather Service will have the latest details.
Beaches, Boaters and Commuters
Rip current risk is expected to be moderate on Friday and Saturday as swell slowly eases, so swimmers are advised to stick to lifeguarded beaches and pay attention to local flags before heading into the surf. Marine conditions should stay below advisory levels through the weekend, then turn choppier Tuesday into Tuesday night as the frontal system moves in.
For evening plans Monday or Tuesday, having rain gear handy would be wise, and commuters should be ready for localized downpours that could slow things down for short stretches.
