New York City wakes up to one of the nicest days of early June — sunny skies, a high near 79°F, and a Southwest wind of 8 to 13 mph. Today is the day to get outside; Wednesday brings storms, and the back half of the week turns hot and humid in a hurry.
Today’s Setup
High pressure drifting east over the Atlantic is handing the city a textbook June afternoon. Sunshine from sunrise to sunset, temperatures near 79°F before easing back toward 77°F late in the day, and a breezy-but-comfortable southwest flow. Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, and the West Side piers are all prime real estate right now. Tonight, clouds increase ahead of a weather system to the west; expect partly cloudy skies and a low around 65°F.
Ocean beach warning: The National Weather Service has issued a High Rip Current Risk for ocean beaches from Southwest Suffolk west through Brooklyn today into this evening. If you’re heading to Rockaway or Coney Island, swim near a lifeguard stand and exit the water immediately if you feel a current pulling you sideways.
Best Window To Be Outside
Honestly, all of it — but especially mid-morning through late afternoon. The breeze keeps temperatures feeling excellent. Golfers, rooftop loungers, and cyclists along the Hudson River Greenway all win today. If you’re setting up a canopy for a tailgate or street fair, a pop-up canopy tent with weights will hold steady in that 8–13 mph wind.
Mets at Citi Field: A Perfect Baseball Night
The New York Mets host the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field tonight under near-ideal conditions — sunny at first pitch, cooling into the low 70s by the middle innings with a gentle breeze. Tailgating conditions are excellent. Represent the home team with a New York Mets jersey or a New York Mets fitted cap, and Get tickets on SeatGeek if you’re still looking for seats.
Also on tonight: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre — a beautiful dry evening to make the trip to Times Square.
What’s Coming: Wednesday Storms, Then a Heat Wave
Wednesday is a different story. The National Weather Service forecasts rain possible as early as 8 AM ET, with showers and thunderstorms likely through the afternoon — 60% chance of precipitation, with up to a quarter inch of rainfall. If you have tickets to NBA Finals Game 4 (New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 10), you’re safe and dry inside MSG, but budget extra time for wet subway platforms. Hamilton at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Wednesday evening? Pack an umbrella.
Then Thursday and Friday bring a significant heat surge. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the upper 80s to low 90s, with dewpoints near 70°F — that puts the heat index at mid-90s to near 100°F across much of the metro. It will be punishing below ground on the subway. Plan ahead.
Grill Tonight Before the Rain
Tonight is made for outdoor cooking. Fire up burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob while the skies are still clear. An instant-read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of the cook, and a grill brush and scraper set will get your grates in shape for the season. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
- Wednesday: Storms likely, high near 76°F — plan indoor activities
- Thursday–Friday: Hot and humid, highs upper 80s to low 90s, heat index mid-90s to near 100°F
- Weekend: Warm but less humid, mainly dry conditions expected
Keep checking back for updates as the heat event develops and browse outdoor gear deals to prepare for the warm stretch ahead.
