After a gorgeous weekend in our favorite city that we hope was filled with beach days and ferry rides, Mother Nature has decided she’s not quite finished keeping us on our toes.
We know, we know…the collective groan of “not this again” can probably be heard across all five boroughs. But don’t worry, New York—we’re all in this together.
Another round of rain and thunderstorms is moving into the NYC area this week, bringing the potential for heavy downpours, flash flooding, and a few soggy commutes before sunshine finally makes its return. If you’ve been enjoying the recent break from relentless heat waves, smoky skies, and severe storms, you might want to keep that umbrella within arm’s reach just a little longer.
When Will the Rain Start in NYC?
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), spotty showers and isolated afternoon thunderstorms begin moving in on Monday. However, the most significant impact will roll through starting Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.
The slow-moving low-pressure system will cause rain to linger across the five boroughs, making Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes particularly wet and unpredictable.
How Much Rain Is Expected and Is There a Flood Risk?
Forecasters expect 2 to 3 inches of widespread rainfall across the NYC metro area, but localized amounts could spike much higher during intense localized downpours.
While a formal flood watch hasn’t been issued, the combination of tropical moisture and slow storm movement creates a real risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas, subway entryways, and roadways with poor drainage.
What Does This Mean for Your Workweek Commute?
Expect delays across major transit networks. Commuters taking the MTA, NJ Transit, or driving on city expressways should budget extra travel time, especially during late Tuesday and Wednesday peak hours.
- Subway & Rail: Keep an eye out for potential water pooling around station entrances and localized track disruptions.
- Roadways: Watch for ponding on highways and low underpasses. Never drive through standing water.
- Air Travel: Regional airports (JFK, LGA, EWR) could face flight holds or cancellations if embedded thunderstorms intensify.