May 4, 2012 Morning Update

6:30 AM: Heavy Thunderstorms Near NYC


As with 2 out of the 3 first nights of this month that included heavy thunderstorms in parts of the area, the same was observed tonight as well, when heavy thunderstorms began to move in after 4-5 AM and are currently affecting the immediate NYC area with heavy rain and gusty winds, while moderate to locally heavy rain is falling in southern CT. These storms are expected to mostly clear the area by 8 AM, with partly cloudy skies by the afternoon and temperatures rising into the upper 70s to lower 80s from NYC and further north/west. Highs are expected to reach the mid 60s to lower 70s in eastern Long Island/SE CT, and in the upper 60s to lower 70s in western Long Island/SW CT, getting close to 75 degrees towards NYC.

Another round of thunderstorms is expected later this afternoon, after at least 5 PM, as instability increases ahead of a cold front associated with a low pressure taking an odd track, starting from near the northern NY/Canada border before diving SSE and exiting south of New England. As is typical with severe weather outbreaks, the exact areas where storms develop is uncertain, although the best risk for strong to locally severe thunderstorms today includes NYC, going west into northeastern PA and south into at least Maryland. Storm updates will be posted late this afternoon and evening if necessary. A full update will be posted late tonight regarding the outlook for this weekend and next week.