By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK, N.Y. (July 20, 2026) – After a week marked by extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and heavy rain, forecasters are warning that another round of potentially severe weather is expected to move through the New York City area on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service says two waves of thunderstorms are likely, with the first expected around midday and another possible during the evening. The storms could produce torrential rainfall, strong wind gusts, hail, and isolated severe weather, while also bringing cooler temperatures after last week’s heat.

National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Goodman said conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly as a weather system moves into the region, creating the potential for heavy downpours and strong thunderstorms similar to those that impacted the area over the weekend.

Forecasters say the first round of storms could produce wind gusts of up to 40 mph, with additional storms developing later in the day. Combined rainfall totals could reach several inches in some locations, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

While the chance of a tornado remains low, it cannot be ruled out. Meteorologists say the primary threats are flooding from intense rainfall and damaging winds.

The latest forecast follows a turbulent week across the region. Smoke from Canadian wildfires created one of New York City’s worst air quality events on record, with unhealthy conditions peaking Thursday night. Officials have warned that smoky skies could return if shifting winds carry additional wildfire smoke into the area.

Heavy thunderstorms over Shabbos also caused flooding in parts of the city, with Central Park recording 1.62 inches of rainfall. Tuesday’s storms could produce similar impacts.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts throughout the day and be prepared to seek shelter if severe weather warnings are issued.

Unsettled weather may continue into Wednesday, when showers and thunderstorms remain possible. Conditions are expected to improve later in the week, with drier weather and daytime highs generally ranging from the 70s into the mid-80s.

New Yorkers, tomorrow the city will experience multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the strongest storms and greatest risk in the late afternoon and evening.

Please exercise caution. Go inside if there’s thunder, heavy rain, or strong winds.

If you live in a…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 21, 2026

A new round of powerful storms are threatening more than 100 million from the Midwest to the Northeast after a wild 48 hours of extreme weather – including downpours that caused major flooding in parts of New York City on Saturday. @perezreports. https://t.co/4ywEUPTvjX pic.twitter.com/3GOpv8vm4h

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) July 21, 2026