NYT predicts wet Memorial Day weekend

The New York Times reported on May 22 that Memorial Day weekend was shaping up to be wet and cool across much of the United States, with rain expected to disrupt outdoor plans and travel in several regions. CBS New York said the holiday weekend would bring a “soggy start to summer” across the Tri-State area, where rain and below-seasonal temperatures were forecast through Monday. In South Florida, USA Today reported that the National Weather Service expected a different pattern: minimal rain, high humidity and temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. Together, the forecasts pointed to a split start to the unofficial opening of summer. ### Where is the wettest Memorial Day weather expected? The New York Times said on May 22 that broad stretches of the country were likely to see wet and cool conditions over the holiday weekend. The paper said the West was expected to be drier and closer to seasonal norms, leaving much of the central and eastern United States under a less favorable pattern. CBS New York said the Tri-State area faced one of the clearest examples of that setup. The outlet forecast rainy, unsettled weather across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, warning that ponding on roads and travel disruptions were possible as the weekend continued. ### How much rain is forecast for the New York City region? CBS New York said the Tri-State area could receive an average of about 2 inches of rain over Memorial Day weekend. Some locations could get as much as 4 inches before the holiday ended, the outlet said. John Elliott of CBS New York said Friday offered only a brief break before wetter conditions returned for Saturday and Sunday. The station said the pattern would keep temperatures cool for late May, adding to the sense of an unsettled holiday weekend rather than a typical early-summer start. ### What does that mean for holiday travel and outdoor plans? AAA said 45.1 million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day period, according to figures cited in broader holiday travel coverage this week. With most travelers on the road, periods of rain in major population corridors could complicate drives, beach trips and backyard gatherings. CBS New York said ponding on roads was possible in the Tri-State area, a risk that can slow traffic even without severe storms. The New York Times framed weather as the main variable for travelers this weekend, especially in regions already dealing with heavy holiday traffic. ### Why does South Florida look so different? USA Today reported on May 22 that South Florida was expected to stay mostly dry through the holiday weekend, citing the National Weather Service. The outlet said chances of rain were minimal across the region, even as much of the country dealt with cooler and wetter conditions. Temperatures in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas were forecast to reach the upper 80s to low 90s, USA Today said. Heat index values were expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s, keeping the region hot and humid rather than stormy. ### What should readers watch through Memorial Day? Memorial Day itself remains the key day to watch in the Northeast, where CBS New York said rain and cool conditions were expected to linger into Monday. Travelers in the Tri-State area were being told to keep umbrellas close and allow extra time on the roads. South Florida residents and visitors were being told to prepare for heat instead. The National Weather Service forecast cited by USA Today called for hot, humid conditions through the holiday, while the broader national picture described by the New York Times suggested the West would remain the part of the country most likely to avoid the soggy start to summer.