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NYC Weekend Weather Update – May 16, 2014

First for weather headline that will be dominating today: the storm system that is set to bring us heavy, potentially flooding rain later today and into the overnight hours. Currently, temperatures in our area are generally in the mid-upper 60s with a strong south to southeasterly wind. This is leading to an influx deep moisture ahead of the approaching cold front. We are firmly entrenched in what meteorologists refer to as a warm sector. This will provide the necessary conditions for heavy rain and some possible embedded thunderstorms to form later.

NOAA NCEP surface analysis as of 9AM EDT. Note the cold front sitting just off to our west with an elongated area of moderate to heavy rain.
NOAA NCEP surface analysis as of 9AM EDT. Note the cold front sitting just off to our west with an elongated area of moderate to heavy rain.

Based on the latest output from GFS and NAM models, it would appear the heaviest of the rain will arrive in our area during the PM rush and last through the evening into the early morning hours. So, if you’re going to be heading out this evening, grab an umbrella and appropriate rain gear.

NCEP's forecast for quantitative precipitation totals over the next 24 hours.
NCEP’s forecast for quantitative precipitation totals over the next 24 hours.

One of the major hazards with this storm is flash flooding and flooding in general. Because a high amount of precipitation is anticipated to fall in a relatively short time window, flash flooding is a real concern especially in urban areas and small streams. This will make for a sloppy and slow evening commute. The flip side of the fast moving nature of this storm system is that it should clear the area fairly quickly, meaning that you runners out there should have slightly better conditions than previously forecast for the start and duration of the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

NAM high resolution model output showing the cold front and storm system to have pushed through our area by about 5AM EDT
NAM high resolution model output showing the cold front and storm system to have pushed through our area by about 5AM EDT

Saturday after the cold front passes through and the rains subside, we should be looking at gradually clearing skies and slightly above average temperatures in the low 70s.

Sunday through Tuesday – we will be compensated for this rainy Friday by a string of days with fair conditions and seasonable temperatures. A high pressure center will form and camp out over our area, preventing any bad weather from impacting us. As such, temperatures should be nearly steady each day during this period in the upper 60s to low 70s with mostly sunny skies.

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