That’s right, New Yorkers have been getting more rain than normal this May. It has been rainy and gloomy the days before Memorial Day, and it has been surprisingly cool for late spring. But there is finally a bright side: the weather is slowly getting better as the holiday weekend approaches, bringing sunshine and warmer temperatures back to the city.
A Wet Start to May: Rain and Cool Temps Dominate
As everyone knows, May has been rainier than usual. So far, it has rained more than five inches in Central Park. Storms and showers have been the norm for almost half of the month. Unusually low temperatures have been caused by this steady rain. This week, highs barely made it into the 50s. A lot of people thought it felt more like early spring than the start of summer.
Friday Brings a Slight Warm-Up (and Maybe a Quick Shower)
The good news starts on Friday, when it gets warmer, to about 60 degrees. There is a chance of a few scattered showers, especially during the evening rush hour, so it won’t be a totally dry day. However, these short rains shouldn’t get in the way of your plans. Just remember to bring an umbrella with you, and don’t be shocked if your windscreen wipers get a workout.
A cool and windy start to the holiday weekend
We can expect temperatures to stay in the 60s over the weekend. There are stronger waves near the coast and on Long Island, and it’s cooler than usual for this time of year. In order to stay warm at the Jones Beach air show, you should wear a light jacket or jumper.
People going to see Beyoncé at MetLife Stadium on Saturday and Sunday nights can look forward to nice, dry nights, though it will get cool in the 50s by the end of the show. Adding another layer or moving quickly will keep you warm.
On Memorial Day, the sun and warmer weather come back.
Memorial Day will be the best part of the weekend. The sun will be out on Monday, and the temperature will rise into the 70s. It will finally feel like summer. Plans to be outside, like barbecues and picnics, are in good shape because the weather is partly sunny and warm.
Beachgoers: The water and air temperatures are still cool
The weather will get warmer in the middle of the country, but beaches and coastal places will still feel a bit cool. The water temperature stays between the high 50s and low 60s, so the beach is cooler than places farther inland. The weather is great for a calm walk along the beach or pier, but maybe not quite ready for swimming or lying out in the sun yet.
Thanks for the break from the rainy Memorial Day weekends.
The fact that it will be mostly dry this Memorial Day weekend is one of the best signs. In the past, rain has ruined many holidays, but this year looks different. Eight of the last ten Memorial Day weekends here have had rain that could be felt, so a dry holiday will be nice.
There’s a chance of a random sprinkle, but for the most part, the weekend won’t have any major rain, so you can enjoy being outside.
Last Thoughts
Even though May hasn’t been very good, the weather should get better by the end of the month, just in time for the holiday weekend. The sun will come out again, and the temperatures will slowly start to rise. This will finally feel like summer. This Memorial Day weekend is a nice break from the rainy weather we’ve been used to, whether you’re firing up the grill, going to a show, or just taking in some fresh air.
Just remember to wear layers early on the weekend and keep an umbrella nearby in case it rains briefly on Friday. By Monday, you’ll be able to enjoy some much-needed sun.
