NYC weather forecast: wind and rain Thursday, blustery Halloween, and a breezy but bright marathon Sunday
NYC weather forecast: wind and rain Thursday, blustery Halloween, and a breezy but bright marathon Sunday
A potent fall system is set to reshape the NYC weather forecast heading into the weekend, delivering a soaking, windy Thursday before a brisk, blustery Halloween on Friday. After the front clears, the city trends cooler but calmer, setting up a seasonably crisp Sunday that looks favorable for outdoor plans, including the marathon. Plan for shifting winds, fast-moving showers, and a noticeable temperature step-down by Friday night.
Thursday: rain, wind, and tricky commutes
The most impactful window arrives Thursday with **periods of rain—at times heavy—**and gusty winds. Street and highway ponding is possible during the heaviest bursts, especially around the evening rush. Umbrellas will be challenged by crosswinds; a hooded waterproof layer is the smarter play. Temperatures push into the low 60s°F (mid-teens °C), then begin to slide as the front edges through and winds turn more westerly by late day and evening.
What to do Thursday
-
Build extra travel time for transit and school pickups.
-
Secure lightweight Halloween decorations ahead of the wind surge.
-
Expect reduced visibility on bridges and along the waterfront during peak gusts.
Halloween Friday: blustery breaks of sun, cooler feel
Behind the front, Friday features a classic post-storm setup: sun–cloud mix, lingering gusts, and a cooler air mass that makes for a chilly feel by evening. Afternoon highs hover in the upper 50s°F (around 14°C), but it will feel cooler in the wind, especially north of the city and along open avenues.
Trick-or-treat tips
-
Add base layers under costumes; capes and loose props can whip in strong gusts.
-
Use front lights and reflectors—fallen leaves and dark costumes reduce visibility at crosswalks.
-
Keep an eye on younger kids’ masks in the wind; swap for face paint if needed.
Weekend outlook: mostly cooperative after the front
-
Saturday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, with highs near 60°F (15°C). Good for park time in layers; less ideal for long periods on exposed rooftops or piers.
-
Sunday (Marathon): A brighter, sunny-to-partly-cloudy day with a light-to-moderate breeze. Highs near 56°F (14°C) make for efficient running weather; spectators should pack a windproof layer and warm beverage for early starts.
Early next week: a milder reset
By Monday the pattern softens. Expect sunshine and a modest warm-up into the low 60s°F (upper teens °C), followed by a mostly sunny Tuesday with temperatures in a similar range. It’s a brief, pleasant reset before the next November system lines up.
NYC weather forecast at a glance (7-day)
-
Today (Wed): Mostly cloudy, breezy; late-day spotty shower. High ~55°F/13°C.
-
Thu: Windy, periods of rain, some heavy; watch for ponding. High ~63°F/17°C.
-
Fri (Halloween): Windy mix of sun and clouds; chilly by evening. High ~57°F/14°C, low ~48°F/9°C.
-
Sat: Mostly cloudy, breezy. High ~60°F/15°C.
-
Sun: Sunny to partly cloudy, breezy at times; favorable for outdoor events. High ~56°F/14°C.
-
Mon: Sunny, milder. High ~62°F/17°C.
-
Tue: Mostly sunny. High ~61°F/16°C.
Planning cues and safety notes
-
Wind-aware setups: If you’re hosting outdoor gatherings, opt for weighted stands and avoid canopies with exposed corners; anchor inflatables or bring them inside.
-
Leaf-slick roads: Wet leaves can be as slick as ice. Drivers and cyclists should extend braking distance and avoid sudden turns.
-
Waterfront caution: Gusts funnel along the Hudson and East River. Runners and walkers on esplanades should expect stronger crosswinds than inland neighborhoods.
The NYC weather forecast turns messy on Thursday with wind-driven rain, flips to brisk and blustery for Halloween, then delivers a crisp, largely cooperative weekend—especially Sunday—before a mild, sunny start to next week. Build in flexibility on Thursday, add layers Friday night, and enjoy a cool-but-bright stretch once the front clears. Forecast timing and details may evolve with new updates; check a fresh read on the day of your plans.