New York City Weather Radar
New York City Live Weather
New York City Live Weather Radar
New York City Hourly Weather Forecast
New York City 7-Day Weather Forecast
New York City Weather Overview
New York City weather radar is essential for tracking storms across the five boroughs. The NYC doppler radar monitors precipitation moving over Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Weather radar New York City shows nor'easters approaching from the Atlantic, while the doppler weather radar tracks summer thunderstorms developing over the metro area. Live doppler radar helps New Yorkers time commutes around incoming storms.
The New York City weather radar map reveals why coastal storms hit hard here. Nor'easters bring heavy snow, coastal flooding, and destructive winds from October through April. Hurricane Sandy (2012) produced a 13-foot storm surge that flooded Lower Manhattan—the NWS office in Upton (WFO OKX) tracked the storm on doppler radar, recording sustained winds of 80 mph and $19 billion in damage to NYC alone. Between nor'easters and tropical systems, the weather radar New York doppler shows constant precipitation threats. The city averages 46.23 inches of rain and snow annually, according to NOAA climate data.
NYC weather radar tracks blizzards that paralyze the city within hours. The doppler radar for New York showed the Blizzard of 1888 would have buried parts of the city under 55 inches of snow with 45 mph winds. Modern nor'easters still dump 20+ inches across the metro area, visible on live doppler weather radar. New York City doppler also monitors summer heat—July 2019 saw temperatures hit 100°F with heat indices above 110°F for days. New York City weather radar live updates help residents prepare for rapidly changing conditions year-round.
New York City Weather Risks & Safety
Nor'easter Risk
Nor'easters are New York City's biggest multi-threat storms — heavy snow, powerful winds, and coastal flooding all at once. They track up the Eastern Seaboard from fall through early spring and can grind the city to a halt for 24 to 48 hours. On the radar you can see the precipitation bands wrapping around the storm center and track exactly where the heaviest snow or rain is falling. Past nor'easters have buried New York City under record snowfall with widespread power outages.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flash flooding is New York City's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through New York City regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for New York City, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Winter Storm Risk
Winter storms hit New York City when Gulf or Pacific moisture runs into cold Arctic air — the result is some combination of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. The key thing to watch on radar is the rain-snow line: that boundary determines whether New York City gets rain, freezing rain, or heavy snow, and it can shift by miles in an hour. When a winter storm watch goes up, stock your emergency supplies and plan to stay home.
Extreme Heat Risk
Summers in New York City get dangerously hot — heat indices regularly push past 100°F, and heat waves can last for weeks. When the radar shows clear skies with no storm activity for days, that usually means the heat is building. Outdoor workers, elderly residents, and anyone without reliable AC are most at risk. Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors who might be struggling.
How to Use New York City Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions
View the weather status bar at the top of the New York City radar page showing temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions. This gives you an instant snapshot of what's happening across the five boroughs right now.
Watch the Radar Map
The radar map displays precipitation and cloud cover moving across New York City. Toggle between views and play the animation to see which direction nor'easters or summer storms are tracking and whether they'll impact Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island.
Review Hourly and Weekly Forecasts
Scroll to the hourly forecast to plan your day around incoming rain or snow. Check the 7-day outlook for approaching nor'easters, coastal flooding risks, or heat waves that could affect the NYC metro area during the week ahead.
Monitor During Active Weather
When the National Weather Service issues winter storm warnings or coastal flood advisories for New York City, return to the radar frequently. Watch precipitation intensity and storm movement to time your commute or decide whether to shelter in place during severe nor'easters.
Who Benefits from New York City Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
New York City commuters navigating the FDR Drive, BQE (I-278), and subway system need advance warning of nor'easters and heavy rain. Check the radar before your commute to see where flooding or snow is hitting and whether coastal storm surge could disrupt lower Manhattan transit.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Runners in Central Park and Prospect Park, cyclists on the Hudson River Greenway — check the hourly forecast before heading out. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly across the NYC metro area, and the radar shows them approaching 30-60 minutes before they arrive.
Event Planners & Families
Outdoor events at Yankee Stadium, concerts in Central Park, or gatherings at Brooklyn Bridge Park require weather planning. The 7-day forecast helps pick the best date, while day-of radar monitoring shows exactly when nor'easters or summer storms will impact your event.
Outdoor Workers
Construction crews across New York City's building boom, delivery drivers navigating all five boroughs — check the radar before scheduling rooftop work or planning routes. Winter nor'easters and summer thunderstorms both bring dangerous conditions with minimal warning time.