New York, NY – A blustery, rain-soaked start to the weekend has set the tone across New York City, with strong winds pushing umbrellas inside out and slick roads slowing the morning commute. Weather conditions remain unsettled today, prompting advisories that could affect travel, coastal areas, and outdoor plans before calmer air arrives on Saturday.
Wind and Coastal Advisories Remain Active
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory through 12 a.m. Saturday, warning of south winds gusting between 30 and 40 mph, with isolated higher gusts possible near bridges, elevated roadways, and coastal neighborhoods. These winds are strong enough to knock over unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
In addition, a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect through late morning. Low-lying shoreline roads and waterfront communities may experience minor inundation around the time of high tide, particularly along parts of the Hudson River, East River, and Jamaica Bay.
Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to monitor conditions closely and avoid parking vehicles in areas that regularly take on water during high tides.
Rain, Reduced Visibility, and Travel Concerns
Rain continues steadily through today, keeping road surfaces wet and visibility reduced. Morning and afternoon commuters should plan for delays on major corridors such as FDR Drive, the Belt Parkway, and portions of I-95, where ponding water and gusty crosswinds may make driving more hazardous.
Transportation officials advise allowing extra travel time and maintaining safe following distances. Pedestrians should also use caution, as gusts can be unpredictable around buildings and street corners.
City residents are encouraged to secure outdoor decorations, holiday displays, trash bins, and lightweight furniture, as winds may strengthen in bursts throughout the day and evening.
Conditions Improve Saturday but a New Risk Emerges
By Saturday, the weather begins to turn a corner. Skies brighten, rainfall tapers off, and winds ease significantly. Afternoon temperatures reach around 40°F, offering a brief stretch of calmer winter weather.
However, the improvement comes with a caveat. As colder air settles in Saturday night, wet pavement from today’s rain could refreeze, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated side streets. This may lead to patchy black ice, which is often difficult to see and particularly dangerous during late-night and early-morning hours.
Drivers heading out overnight or early Sunday should slow down and remain alert for icy patches.
Quiet Sunday Before Attention Shifts to Christmas Week
Sunday looks favorable across the city, with dry, seasonable conditions and mostly sunny skies. Temperatures climb into the mid-40s, making it one of the more comfortable days for errands, walks, or early holiday preparations.
Forecasters say the calm will be short-lived. As the new workweek begins, attention shifts toward a developing pattern change that could impact Christmas travel plans.
Christmas Travel Watch: Rain or Snow Possible
Forecast models are signaling a warm-to-cold transition early next week, with Tuesday showing a chance of rain or snow, depending on how quickly temperatures drop during the system’s passage. Highs near 40°F suggest precipitation type could change over a short period, especially during overnight or early morning hours.
While it is too early to determine exact snowfall amounts or impacts, travelers should stay informed, particularly those planning road trips or flights around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Even minor snow or icy conditions can cause delays during high-volume holiday travel periods.
Five-Day Weather Snapshot for New York City
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 40°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 45°F
- Monday: Sunny and colder, high near 36°F
- Tuesday: Rain or snow possible, high near 40°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 43°F
What New Yorkers Should Do Now
- Allow extra travel time today and tonight
- Secure loose outdoor items
- Watch for coastal flooding during high tide
- Use caution for potential black ice late Saturday
- Monitor forecasts closely for Christmas travel updates
Weather conditions may shift quickly over the next several days, making awareness essential as the holiday season approaches. Share your experiences in the comments below.
