AccuWeather: Raw rain, alert at night

AccuWeather forecast for NYC, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Memorial Day weekend forecast brings a mix of unsettled weather, with periods of rain expected to affect much of the region. While it won't be continuously wet the entire time, conditions will be far from ideal for outdoor plans.

Saturday will feel damp and raw throughout the day. There may be a brief window in the morning, especially in eastern areas like Connecticut and eastern Long Island, where conditions stay mostly dry, though skies remain overcast and breezy. As the day progresses, rain becomes steadier and more widespread during the afternoon and evening hours, leading to slower travel and generally uncomfortable conditions.

The most significant weather arrives on Sunday morning, when the heaviest rain is expected. Downpours could create ponding on roadways and hazardous driving conditions, making travel more difficult and, at times, unsafe. By the afternoon, the steady rain transitions to scattered showers, and some areas west of New York City may see mainly cloudy skies rather than continuous rainfall.

Conditions begin to improve slightly by Memorial Day itself. While there is still a chance of passing showers, mainly in southern areas, there is also the potential for some drying during the afternoon. If breaks of sunshine develop, temperatures could rise into the low 70s, offering a milder and more comfortable feel compared to the rest of the weekend.

Coastal conditions will remain rough through the period, with strong easterly winds, building waves, cold water temperatures, and a high risk of rip currents, making swimming and boating unsafe.

Despite the wet forecast, there are a few silver linings: the rain will help reduce pollen levels, improve air quality, and keep the UV index low.

Looking beyond the holiday, the weather pattern shifts significantly, with warmer temperatures and a stretch of dry, pleasant conditions expected to arrive by Tuesday and continue into the latter half of next week.