NYC Meteorologist Matt Wunsch Says Rain and Cooler Weather Will Persist

“We actually did have multiple reports of flash flooding in Southern Queens,” meteorologist Matt Wunsch told Gothamist.

Heavy storms and intense rainfall flooded parts of Brooklyn and Queens on Thursday, leaving streets underwater across the city. JFK airport recorded its second-wettest November day on record, seeing just over three and a half inches of rain fall in a single day.

While the most violent weather has passed, New York City is bracing for a continuation of the damp, blustery conditions. A gale force wind warning is currently in effect for areas out at sea, as coastal conditions stay unsettled.

The transition from Thursday’s volatile thunderstorms to the rest of the week brings a shift in intensity rather than a total reprieve. Residents can expect on-and-off rain to persist through much of Friday, though the heavy downpours that triggered flash flooding are expected to subside.

Meteorologists anticipate that the city will see anywhere from another quarter to a half an inch of rainfall before the precipitation begins to taper off overnight. Temperatures will remain significantly lower than the recent stretch of milder weather, with highs struggling to reach the low to mid-40s.

The sudden drop in temperature and the persistent moisture present a logistical challenge for commuters and outdoor workers. For those in the transit sector, the lingering wet conditions and gusty winds may continue to impact travel times across the boroughs.

The unsettled pattern will carry into the weekend, though the atmosphere appears less volatile than the previous 24 hours. Saturday and Sunday are expected to bring a mix of sun and clouds, providing a break from the constant rain, even if the air remains chilly.

High temperatures for the weekend will likely hover in the low-to-upper 40s. While the threat of snow remains unlikely, the combination of wind and dampness will maintain a brisk feel throughout the five boroughs.

For those monitoring the immediate aftermath of Thursday’s storms, the primary concern remains the localized flooding that occurred when thunderstorms “trained” over specific areas for several hours. This phenomenon, where storms follow the same path repeatedly, caused the heavy rainfall in Southern Queens.

“We should still see on-and-off rain pretty much through the day,” Wunsch told Gothamist, noting that the forecast is looking less volatile than Thursday.