New York City is under an active Flood Watch today, Monday, June 22, with heavy thunderstorms and an 80% precipitation chance — the high reaches near 76°F before falling back to around 71°F as afternoon storms roll in. Keep your plans flexible and stay close to shelter.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all five boroughs and Northeast New Jersey, active through tonight. A warm front stalled over the metro is loading the atmosphere with exceptional moisture, and the strongest storms this afternoon could produce rainfall rates near 2 inches per hour. Tonight stays dangerous — a 90% storm chance with 1–2 additional inches of rain possible overnight, on top of whatever falls today.
Best Window To Be Outside
Your best shot is before 10 AM ET. Rain showers begin as early as 8 AM, but the more severe thunderstorms ramp up this afternoon and continue through the night. Subway commuters should expect delays — flooding is possible in vulnerable stations across Lower Manhattan, Flushing, and parts of the Bronx. If you can work from home today, this is the day to do it.
Flash Flood Risk
The National Weather Service is especially concerned about urbanized and poor-drainage areas across NYC. Underpasses, basement apartments, and street-level subway entrances in low-lying sections of Queens and Brooklyn are most vulnerable. Ocean beaches — including Rockaway and Coney Island — face a high rip current risk today into Tuesday morning; stay out of the water. If your block has flooded before, keep a go bag emergency evacuation kit within reach. For power outage backup during the storms, the DARAN 288Wh Power Station is just $90 for Prime Members.
What To Wear Or Bring
A compact travel umbrella will work for the morning commute, but swap it for a packable rain jacket by early afternoon — wind-driven thunderstorm rain defeats an umbrella fast. Leave sandals at home today.
Mets at Citi Field + Broadway on Tuesday
The New York Mets host the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field on June 22 and 23, but tonight’s 90% storm chance makes a rainout very likely. Tuesday’s game also faces a 70% storm chance before 5 PM ET. If you’re still going, Get tickets on SeatGeek and come ready for weather: a New York Mets jersey and New York Mets fitted cap keep the vibe alive rain or shine.
Broadway may be the smarter Tuesday call. Hamilton runs at Richard Rodgers Theatre and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is at the Lyric Theatre — both on June 23. Find tickets on StubHub and skip the outdoor gamble entirely.
Rainy Day Dinner
Tonight was made for slow cooker chili or beef stew — load a programmable slow cooker in the morning and let it run all day while the storms do their worst. Prefer stovetop? An enameled cast iron Dutch oven makes a rich, thick stew with minimal fuss. Need groceries? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered without braving the downpour.
Next Few Days
Tuesday clears out after storms end before 5 PM ET, with Tuesday night looking genuinely dry — just a 7% rain chance as the cold front pushes through. Midweek settles down before showers and storms return Thursday into Friday, per the National Weather Service. Check outdoor gear deals if this soggy week has you thinking about upgrading your rain kit.
