As New Yorkers gear up for Juneteenth celebrations and summer vibes, a surprise guest may crash the party—a powerful round of mid-week thunderstorms. Before the sunshine breaks through later in the week, the Big Apple could see disruptive downpours and even some dangerous weather just as the city prepares to mark the historic holiday.
What’s Brewing in the Skies Over NYC This Week
The week starts off mild but moody. Monday and Tuesday are shaping up to be gray and cool, with cloud cover dominating the skyline and spotty drizzle dampening plans. While neither day brings anything severe, that umbrella may come in handy as light showers move through at random.
Wednesday, however, flips the switch. Warmer air rolls in from the south, pushing up temperatures into the low 80s and adding heavy humidity to the mix. That thick, sticky air will become fuel for scattered thunderstorms across the city. These won’t be all-day washouts, but pockets of strong storms could impact late-afternoon commuters and early evening outings.
Thursday: The Big Wild Card
While Wednesday’s storms might only flirt with the five boroughs, Thursday is likely to bring the most intense weather of the week. Forecasters are watching for afternoon thunderstorms—some of which could come in fast and hit hard. Expect the possibility of:
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Heavy rainfall
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Damaging wind gusts
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Small hail
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Lightning bursts
The timing couldn’t be trickier: These storms are expected during peak travel and activity hours, so Thursday could be a bumpy ride for subways, bridges, and outdoor workers.
A Glorious Turn for Juneteenth Weekend
But just as fast as the clouds roll in, they’ll roll out. Starting Friday, skies clear and the heat returns just in time for Juneteenth celebrations across NYC.
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Friday will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 80s—perfect for parades, festivals, or a city stroll.
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Saturday and Sunday follow suit, bringing full summer energy with highs climbing into the low 90s and plenty of sun.
If you’re planning to hit parks, rooftops, or open-air events, the weekend looks like prime time for city summer fun.
Here’s How to Handle the Week Ahead
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Layer up for drizzle early in the week—especially if you’re walking or biking through town.
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Prepare for potential flooding or delays Thursday afternoon if storms turn severe.
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Keep an umbrella and weather app handy—Wednesday and Thursday storms may pop up quickly.
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Hydrate and cool off Friday onward. The heat is real, and the humidity will make it feel hotter.
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Celebrate smart: Juneteenth events should go off under ideal skies—plan for shade, water, and sunscreen!
