New York City is in for a soggy Memorial Day weekend — Saturday brings steady rain starting after 8 AM ET, with a high near 57°F that slides back to around 54°F by afternoon. There is no dry window today, so keep the umbrella by the door and check the full New York weather forecast for updates as the weekend develops.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service says rain develops for northeastern New Jersey and the five boroughs by mid-morning Saturday, spreading east through the day. East winds of 9 to 14 mph won’t be brutal on their own, but combined with mid-50s temperatures you’ll want a real jacket — not just a hoodie. Central Park walks and Hudson River strolls are going to be wet affairs today.
Rain and Flood Risk
Saturday night is when things get heavier. Rainfall amounts of three-quarters to one inch are possible overnight, with east winds picking up to 14 to 18 mph. Sunday piles on another 1 to 2 inches, with all-day rain and thunderstorms likely by late afternoon as a low-level jet strengthens. The National Weather Service is flagging areas of minor urban and poor drainage flooding as likely for the weekend — streets in low-lying parts of Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn could get messy. The National Weather Service has also issued a High Surf Advisory and High Rip Current Risk for Sunday, so stay out of the water at Coney Island, Rockaway Beach, and Jones Beach.
Yankees Game and Weekend Events
The New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays today (May 23) at Yankee Stadium — it’ll be a wet one in the Bronx. Layer a New York Yankees jersey under a waterproof shell and top it with a New York Yankees fitted cap you don’t mind soaking. Get tickets on SeatGeek if you haven’t locked in your seat. Sunday’s Yankees-Rays matchup (May 24) also faces a full all-day rain scenario.
Prefer staying dry indoors? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child plays tonight at the Lyric Theatre, and Hamilton (NY) runs Sunday at the Richard Rodgers Theatre — both are excellent swaps for a rain-soaked weekend. Find tickets on StubHub for either show.
What To Wear
Waterproof shoes, a rain jacket, and layers are the weekend uniform. Rain can knock pollen counts down temporarily, but mold spores surge in wet conditions — keep Claritin non-drowsy allergy handy if you’re sensitive. Running a HEPA air purifier at home helps filter what gets tracked in from outside.
Dinner and Staying In
A cool, rainy Saturday is made for warming pasta or a quick stir-fry at home. No need to battle wet streets for groceries — you can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Sunday is the worst of the weekend — all-day rain, potential thunderstorms by evening, and 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. Memorial Day Monday brings lighter winds and warmer temperatures, with only lingering shower chances. The New York Mets open a home series against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field on May 25 and May 26 — conditions should be improving by then. Check the New York weather forecast for the latest updates.
