New York City is in for a thoroughly wet Sunday, with all-day rain and a high near 57°F — roughly 15 degrees below normal for late May. The National Weather Service says today is essentially a wash, so plan accordingly and grab a compact travel umbrella before you even think about stepping outside.
Today’s Setup
Steady rain is expected throughout the day, with the heaviest stretch likely during the late morning hours as a low-level jet strengthens over the region. East winds of 12 to 17 mph will make it feel raw across all five boroughs, and if you’re near the coast — Coney Island, the Rockaways, or the south shore of Staten Island — expect sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Total rainfall could reach up to three-quarters of an inch, and some urban and poor drainage flooding is possible this morning in low-lying areas. Temperatures actually fall through the afternoon, dropping to around 54°F by mid-afternoon.
Coastal Hazard and Rip Current Warning
The National Weather Service has a high risk of rip currents in effect today, extended through Memorial Day, along with a High Surf Advisory today. The beaches are not safe for swimming this weekend — full stop. Keep kids well back from the water’s edge at every stretch of shoreline from Coney Island to Jones Beach.
Yankees Game at Yankee Stadium Today
If you’re headed to the New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium today, brace yourself: with 100% precipitation and raw east winds pushing up the Grand Concourse, this game is a prime rainout candidate. Check the Yankees app for delay updates before leaving home. Show your Bronx loyalty in a New York Yankees jersey and a New York Yankees fitted cap — and if you still need seats, Find tickets on StubHub or Get tickets on SeatGeek.
Memorial Day Outlook
Monday (Memorial Day) brings more unsettled weather: rain and fog in the morning, followed by showers and thunderstorms likely from 8 AM ET through 2 PM ET, then gradual clearing in the afternoon. The high climbs to near 70°F, so a cookout or a walk through Central Park could be salvageable — just aim for 3 PM ET or later when the National Weather Service expects the line to push east. The New York Mets host the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field on Memorial Day with an 80% rain chance, so monitor delay notices before heading out to Flushing.
Indoor Plans Worth Booking Tonight
Broadway is your best friend on a day like this. Hamilton is playing at Richard Rodgers Theatre tonight, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is at the Lyric Theatre — both on May 24. Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub for either show. Staying in? A family card game set turns a gray afternoon into a genuinely good one.
If you’re venturing out at all, a packable rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots are worth every penny on a day like this — especially if you’re doing any real distance on foot.
Tonight’s Dinner Idea
A cold, rainy Sunday in New York calls for slow-cooker chili or a hearty beef stew. Set up your programmable slow cooker in the morning and let it do the work all day, or build a rich stew in an enameled cast iron Dutch oven on the stovetop. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Tonight stays showery with lows near 57°F, rising to around 60°F overnight, and areas of fog possible after 2 AM ET. Then comes the good news: Tuesday through the end of the week, the National Weather Service expects warmer and mainly dry conditions to settle back over the metro. The Knicks take on the Cavaliers in Game 3 of the East Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 27 — and the weather should be solidly cooperative by then. Hang tight, New York. The sun is coming.
