Significant Rain and Potential Snow Forecasted for NYC After Prolonged Drought

New York City, which has been under a Drought Warning since Monday, is expected to receive significant rain towards the end of the week, marking a welcome relief from the driest fall on record. The city has not seen a quarter-inch of rain in a single day since September 29, with October being the driest in over 150 years, according to the National Weather Service.

A major storm system will develop starting Wednesday and track east, bringing rain mainly after 10 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 100%, with steady rain expected to continue into Thursday morning. This rain event is anticipated to bring between 1 and 2 inches of total rain in some areas, although it will not completely erase the existing rain deficit.

In addition to the rain, there is a potential for localized snow accumulation in higher elevations north and west of the city, including the Catskills, Poconos, and northwestern New Jersey. However, the snowfall is expected to be very light, with flurries to an inch possible in these areas.

The drought conditions have been severe, with Central Park running 9 inches below normal for the season. Reservoir levels in New York State have also been significantly impacted, operating at 60% capacity, down from the typical 79%.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called on residents to conserve water, issuing guidelines such as reusing collected rainwater, fixing leaking pipes, and taking shorter showers. The last drought warning in New York City was issued in January 2002.

The upcoming rain is expected to ease some of the strain caused by the drought, although another weather system is anticipated to move through late next week, potentially bringing more rain and further relief).