Rainy Weekend Ahead for Tri-State as St. Patrick’s Day Approaches
NEW YORK, NY — Residents of the Tri-State area can expect a wet weekend as they prepare for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, with showers expected to move in late Sunday and continue into Monday morning.
This weekend will not be a complete washout, but enough rain is anticipated to disrupt outdoor activities, particularly on Sunday. Saturday, however, is expected to be the drier half of the weekend, starting off foggy with clouds lingering throughout the day. While there won’t be measurable rainfall, residents should be prepared for a misty atmosphere with a chance of a stray sprinkle.
Sunday will begin mostly dry, which is positive news for morning events, such as races, as runners will not have to deal with puddles. However, the day will not be picture-perfect; gusty winds are predicted, with sustained speeds of 10-15 mph and gusts reaching between 25-35 mph. These winds may assist runners if blowing from behind but will pose additional challenges as a headwind.
Showers are expected to sweep in during the late afternoon on Sunday and continue into the overnight hours. This weather system, which is currently causing severe storms in the Midwest and Southeast, will lose some of its strength by the time it reaches the Tri-State area. Nevertheless, isolated severe weather, particularly strong winds, could still be a risk.
The National Weather Service warns that wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, sufficient to down tree branches and potentially disrupt power lines. The most significant impacts are expected overnight into early Monday.
By Monday morning, while showers will still be present, the primary storm threat will have passed, although pockets of heavy rain may still exist. Residents should anticipate lower visibility due to rain and prepare for possible minor flooding in flood-prone areas. Commuters are advised to allocate extra travel time and consider alternative routes, especially if their commutes involve historically flooding locations.
Overall, this storm system is expected to deliver a substantial amount of rainfall across the region, with most areas receiving between half an inch to an inch. Long Island is predicted to see greater totals, ranging from 1-2 inches as the showers may linger longer into Monday.
Fortunately, rain is expected to clear out of New York City before the start of the St. Patrick’s Day parades on Monday, allowing revelers to enjoy the festivities without needing ponchos. Shortly after, sunshine is anticipated to break through the clouds, with temperatures climbing into the upper 50s, complemented by a healthy breeze.
Parade-goers are encouraged to dress warmly, wear sunglasses, and embrace the spirit of the occasion with something green. The overall forecast suggests a promising atmosphere for the celebrations ahead.
