NEW YORK CITY — September has arrived with a distinctly soggy feel in New York City, as repeated rounds of rain and active weather sweep through the region and threaten to put a damper on outdoor plans.
The city began the month under a multiday severe weather threat as storms moved across parts of the Northeast. New York City experienced rounds of rain, adding to what has already been a relatively active weather pattern.
Despite the wet start, the city’s overall rainfall total for the year remains slightly below average.
According to the National Weather Service, New York City’s Central Park station had recorded 31.74 inches of precipitation as of Sept. 1. That was 1.27 inches below the average of 33.01 inches expected by that point in the year.
But with more rain in the forecast, the gap could narrow quickly.
Rain Delays US Open Matches in Queens
The wet weather is already having a noticeable impact on one of New York City’s biggest annual events.
The US Open in Queens has experienced rain-related disruptions, with play delayed on uncovered courts. Suspended and postponed matches have also contributed to a growing backlog as organizers work around the unsettled conditions.
For players and fans, the timing of the rain is particularly frustrating because the tournament is being held during a period when summer weather can still produce sudden thunderstorms and heavy showers.
Covered courts can provide some protection, but outdoor matches remain vulnerable whenever showers move across the area.
The continuing rain means scheduling could remain complicated as tournament officials attempt to fit delayed matches into an already crowded calendar.
How Wet Could September Become?
New York City’s average rainfall for September is about 4.31 inches, providing a useful benchmark for how the month could finish.
A total around 3 inches would be considered below average, while roughly 4 inches would be close to normal. Reaching 5 inches would put the month only slightly above normal.
The recent wet weather has already raised questions about whether September could ultimately finish wetter than usual.
The month’s final rainfall total will depend on how frequently storms develop during the coming weeks and how much precipitation each system produces.
For now, the early pattern suggests residents should be prepared for additional unsettled weather.
More Showers and Storms Could Continue
The rain is not expected to disappear immediately.
Showers and thunderstorms are likely to continue through Thursday, keeping the chance of precipitation elevated across the Big Apple.
That means residents could see additional interruptions to outdoor activities, while events such as the US Open may continue dealing with weather-related scheduling challenges.
The good news is that the forecast calls for drier conditions to return for the weekend, potentially offering New Yorkers a much-needed break from the rain.
If the drier pattern arrives as expected, outdoor plans could become considerably easier after several days of unsettled conditions.
NOAA Favors Wetter September Across Northeast
Looking beyond the immediate forecast, the broader outlook points toward the possibility of a wetter-than-normal month.
The NOAA Climate Prediction Center favors above-normal precipitation across much of the Northeast for September.
That does not mean it will rain every day or that every location will end the month above its typical rainfall total. Instead, the outlook suggests the region has an increased chance of experiencing more precipitation than it normally receives during September.
For New York City, that could mean more rounds of showers and thunderstorms as the month progresses.
The city’s current annual rainfall deficit could also change quickly if several stronger storm systems move through during the coming weeks.
For now, New Yorkers can expect more unsettled weather through Thursday before potentially enjoying a drier weekend.
The wet beginning to September may have caused headaches for commuters, outdoor events and US Open players, but the bigger question is whether the rainy pattern will continue long enough to make September one of New York City’s wetter months.
Has the rainy start to September affected your plans in New York City? Share your experience in the comments below.