If you thought the warmer temps last week meant spring had finally clocked in, New York City has some bad news. A stubborn cold front rolling through the region this week is bringing rain, gusty winds and a reminder that winter still has a few shifts left before it signs off.
City officials issued a weather alert for Monday, March 16, as forecasters track a strong system pushing into the area. Rain that started Sunday evening is expected to linger through early Tuesday morning, with conditions intensifying later Monday.
“New York City is bracing for rain, thunderstorms and high winds on Monday,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell, noting that the city has activated its Flash Flood Emergency Plan while coordinating with the National Weather Service and other agencies.
The roughest stretch is expected between 6pm Monday and 2am Tuesday, when heavier downpours, organized thunderstorms and powerful wind gusts could make the evening commute and overnight hours particularly messy. A Wind Advisory is also in effect from 2pm Monday through 4am Tuesday, with sustained winds between 15 and 22 mph and gusts that could reach up to 55 mph.
In other words, hold onto your umbrellas.
Once the front passes, the cold sticks around. Tuesday brings a sharp temperature drop, with highs barely reaching the low 40s and a brisk wind making it feel even colder. Wednesday should calm down a bit, with lighter winds and a mix of sun and clouds, but the chill will still be noticeable with highs near 40.
The rest of the week continues the slow tease toward spring. Thursday looks mostly cloudy with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s. Friday edges closer to the season’s official start with highs around 50, though more showers could arrive late in the day. By the weekend, temperatures climb slightly into the mid-50s on Saturday before cooling off again Sunday.
So yes, spring technically begins this week. But if you were hoping to pack away the heavy coat, NYC’s forecast suggests you might want to keep it within arm’s reach just a little longer.
