The day before it was to rain all day

There is/was a strange energy in NYC today — a buzziness before tomorrow’s all-day rain. It feels a bit like the anticipation before a snow day — like work and school will be canceled. 

And we need the rain. Per Bloomberg: 

The dry fall of 2024 was unprecedented, with only 1.59 inches of rain recorded in Central Park in September and October. October was the driest calendar month on record in Central Park, with only 0.01 inches of rain. 

And for tonight into tomorrow evening...

We are expecting a widespread significant rainfall, mainly Wed night into Thu night. Not a drought buster, but it will help, especially with ongoing fire weather issues. Our rainfall forecast is around 1" to 1.5" #NYwx #NJwx #CTwx #drought #droughtrelief pic.twitter.com/fGoatntqon

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) November 19, 2024

What the hail? A moment from this afternoon's storm

From B&H Dairy's outdoor space on Second Avenue when the hail was coming down ... pic by Derek Berg.

NYC remains under a severe thunderstorm watch until 7 p.m., per the NWS. Things are more dicey for parts of Long Island, where a tornado warning is in effect until 3:30 p.m.