Spring Equinox Arrives With Stormy Weather In NYC

NEW YORK CITY — The spring equinox is upon us, and it's bringing a wave of stormy weather across the region. With a 100 percent chance of rain this Thursday, March 20, 2025, local meteorologists are forecasting significant precipitation along with the potential for thunderstorms, making for a rather tumultuous welcome to spring.

According to the National Weather Service, a light drizzle may begin as early as 5 a.m. Thursday, cloaking the city in a patchy fog that is expected to persist until around 2 p.m. As evening approaches, the rain will intensify, with a cold front sweeping through the area. This could result in moderate to heavy rainfall, prompting alerts for possible ponding on roadways and challenging travel conditions as commuters head home.

"This could lead to ponding on roadways and delayed travel during the evening commute," cited weather experts as they outlined the potential impacts of the incoming storm.

Despite the stormy forecast, the temperatures will only reach a high of around 51 degrees Fahrenheit by evening. A stark change from the previous day's sunny skies and highs near 58 degrees, the transition serves as a reminder that spring's arrival does not guarantee consistent warmth.

Friday looks to be only slightly better, with predictions calling for temperatures remaining in the mid-40s and a continued chance of showers—mainly before 8 a.m. Wind gusts are also expected, reaching up to 43 miles per hour, adding to the already erratic spring feel.

The weekend, however, may offer a brief respite. Saturday is projected to be mostly cloudy with a high near 60 degrees, though there is a chance of lingering showers. Sunday could see some early sunshine followed by increasing cloud cover, setting the stage for another storm system moving in.

The National Weather Service has provided an optimistic long-term outlook, predicting a warmer-than-normal spring overall for New York City. Temperatures are expected to average in the 50s and 60s during March, with a possible early transition into the 70s by May. This pattern is largely attributed to a weak La Niña event influencing global weather systems.

"[This year], you have a jetstream that's a little bit more shifted to the north and the west of our area. And that means it locks cooler air up into Canada and keeps us a little bit warmer," explained Nelson Vaz, a meteorologist at NWS.

Precipitation levels are projected to be near normal, with expectations for roughly 10 to 12 inches of rain or snow cumulatively over the spring months. However, residents should remain vigilant for storm risks, as the changing weather patterns could also lead to severe events, including thunderstorms and even the threat of tornadoes.

All these dynamics point towards a spring season that, while warmer overall, could be dotted with stormy outbreaks that challenge both daily routines and longer-term plans.

For commuters, particularly those in areas prone to heavy rainfall and poor visibility due to fog, caution is advised. A crash occurred around 6 a.m. on the Belt Parkway heading toward Staten Island, highlighting the typical yet treacherous conditions during the morning rush as rain and fog hampered visibility.

As the warmer months approach, residents should prepare for these unpredictable weather patterns by keeping an eye on local advisories and planning for potential disruptions. The spring of 2025 promises to be a season of contrasts—Balancing between the promise of warming temperatures and the challenges brought on by severe weather.