New York City is waking up to a gray, breezy start on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with temperatures around 55°F in Manhattan and south winds already on the move ahead of an incoming front. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high near 67°F, with readings sliding back into the mid-60s by late afternoon. Winds will strengthen as the day goes on, and a line of showers and thunderstorms is set to arrive tonight and hang around through Thursday and Friday. Keep the umbrella close and be ready for gusty conditions on exposed bridges and along the waterfront.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds are forecast to ramp up after sunrise to around 12–22 mph, with gusts in the 30–33 mph range by this afternoon and a few stronger bursts possible near the harbor and the Long Island shore. A tightening pressure gradient could nudge gusts a bit higher at coastal spots and on exposed bridges, which may make the afternoon commute feel extra blustery. Small boats and mariners should plan for choppy conditions into the evening, with Small Craft Advisories and a Gale Warning already posted over parts of the coastal waters. According to the National Weather Service, gusts into the mid-30s are on the table and advisories will stay in effect.
Evening Showers And Thunder
Rain moves in from the west this evening, with showers possible between about 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then periods of showers and thunderstorms overnight into Thursday. Forecasters are calling for basin-average rainfall of roughly 0.5–1.0 inches through Thursday night, with localized downpours of 1.5–2 inches where storms train or intensify. Any stronger storms could toss down pea-size hail along with bursts of heavy rain, which means low-lying streets and busy transit corridors could see quick ponding, minor flooding and delays. Plan on slower travel tonight and build in extra time if you have outdoor plans or an early start Thursday morning.
Weekend Warmup And Boating Caution
Once the soggy stretch Thursday into Friday moves on, the pattern flips to much drier and warmer for the weekend. Saturday is expected to be comfortable with highs near 73°F, while Sunday looks like the weekend’s hot ticket with highs near 86°F inland, and early next week may stay well above normal in many neighborhoods. Boaters and paddlers should stay cautious even as the air warms up, since nearshore water temperatures are still in the lower 50s, which can trigger cold shock if someone ends up in the water unexpectedly. The mix of warm air and cold water heightens the risk of hypothermia, so bring life jackets, dress for immersion and give the ocean some extra respect.
Commute Tips…