New York City gets a surprisingly pleasant Columbus Day after a damp, unsettled start, with lingering showers fading before 8 a.m. and sunshine taking over. Temperatures should climb from the low 60s to about 71 degrees Monday afternoon, while north winds gradually ease. The bigger weather plot twist comes later in the week, when rain, stronger winds and a sharp weekend cooldown move in.
Sunshine Wins Out Monday
Most of Monday should be dry and mostly sunny after the early shower window passes. The National Weather Service expects north winds around 7 to 15 mph, while Monday night winds should be light and variable or northerly.
The brighter holiday forecast is a notable change from Sunday’s wetter outlook, which called for a much soggier Columbus Day across the city. The latest update now gives New Yorkers a decent afternoon window for parks, errands and outdoor plans, although waterfront neighborhoods should remain alert for elevated water levels around the morning high tide.
Minor Coastal Flooding Possible Along Waterfronts
Brief minor coastal flooding is possible Monday morning and again Tuesday morning around high tide, particularly in low-lying waterfront areas of Brooklyn and southern Queens. A Small Craft Advisory also remains in effect for ocean waters into early Tuesday, making conditions more important for boaters than for most people on land.
Warm Tuesday And Wednesday Lead Into Rain
Tuesday looks mostly sunny with a high near 72 degrees and light south winds. Wednesday could be the warmest day of the stretch, reaching about 76 degrees before clouds and shower chances begin to build later in the week.
Showers are forecast Friday. Forecasters are watching the possibility of thunderstorms with the strong front, though confidence in severe storms remains low for now.
Weekend Turns Windy And Much Colder
Northwest gales are possible behind the front Friday night into the weekend. Saturday is expected to be dry, windy and colder.
Rain is expected to develop Sunday. It is a dramatic reversal from the mid-70s expected Wednesday and a reminder that fall in New York City can change the forecast faster than a subway platform empties.
