WEATHER: Rain in NYC drops temps leading into Memorial Day weekend

forecast
Photo credit AccuWeather

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — It’s raining, it’s pouring across New York City this week, dropping temperatures as millions across the U.S. prepare to travel for what AAA predicts will be the most bustling Memorial Day weekend in 20 years.

New Yorkers had just gotten used to the warmer weather of late spring, but days of rain and chilly winds dropped temperatures Thursday to a high of 53. The afternoon will see periods of rain and drizzle, which will continue throughout the night.

The National Weather Service predicts rainfall totals will reach 1 to 2 inches, and a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect from Thursday afternoon until 8 p.m.

forecast
Photo credit AccuWeather
forecast
Photo credit AccuWeather

Friday will be marginally warmer with a high of 60, though still quite cool for late May. According to AccuWeather, areas in the northeast and midwest affected by the “Late May Chill” will be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than their historical average as Memorial Day weekend gets underway.

The clouds and breeze will stay put as more showers pop up in the afternoon on Friday, and showers will continue in spots as the weekend kicks off on Saturday. While it will remain breezy and cool, some sun will peak out behind the clouds and the high will reach 63, AccuWeather said.

forecast
Photo credit AccuWeather
forecast
Photo credit AccuWeather
Memorial Day
Photo credit AccuWeather

The temperature will continue to jump on Sunday but max out at 66, AccuWeather forecasts, for a day that has sun and clouds but no rain. Memorial Day itself will stay dry as the sun bumps temperatures back up to the low 70s.

Peak congestion for holiday travel will strike between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, according to INTIX, a transportation analytics firm. Saturday’s worst travel delays will likely come between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., the firm said.

Those traveling through major metropolitan areas like NYC are told to brace for even heavier delays. Travelers are encouraged to leave early and be flexible, especially around the major metro hubs.

Featured Image Photo Credit: AccuWeather