Wednesday marks the beginning of a new spell of wet weather, following a relatively dry start to the week. As we approach the end of May, expect continued damp and dreary conditions, with rain showers likely to persist throughout the day.
May has indeed been characterized by its gray skies and frequent rainfall, accumulating over five and a half inches at Central Park, which is more than two inches above the monthly average. This consistent rainfall, while not record-breaking, has been a welcome relief to the tri-state area that has been grappling with ongoing drought conditions since autumn 2024. Thankfully, recent rainfall has alleviated these drought conditions, with only a few areas still experiencing dry spells.
Although the day began with a bit of dryness, the rain is expected to become more intense by Wednesday afternoon, particularly impacting the evening commute. For those heading out, it’s advisable to carry an umbrella and wear waterproof clothing as the roads may become slippery due to the wet conditions.
The rain poses a challenge for those hoping to experience the half-sun Manhattanhenge Wednesday night, as overcast skies will likely obscure the view. However, there’s hope for those keen on witnessing this celestial event, as Thursday night may yield better conditions. The anticipated “full-sun” Manhattanhenge might still be observable if the clouds dissipate in time.
For concert-goers attending a Beyoncé concert at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday night, the rain could put a damper on the festivities. Attendees should come prepared for wet conditions, though Thursday night presents a brighter outlook for the concert, with temperatures in the upper 60s and reduced chances of rain.
The weather pattern will shift again late Friday into Saturday, bringing more widespread rain before May wraps up. However, those hoping to make outdoor plans should look towards Sunday for sunnier skies as meteorological summer begins, with warmer temperatures expected. This change could offer a refreshing start to June and an opportunity for enjoyable outdoor activities.