Forecast period: Friday, May 8, 2026, 6 AM – 11 PM ET | Source: National Weather Service New York City (OKX)

Staten Island gets the best weather in the five boroughs on Friday, May 8. While Manhattan tops out near 60°F under mostly sunny skies, the North Shore and South Shore of Staten Island are forecast to reach 67°F under full sun — seven degrees warmer, and the cleanest day of the week before a rainy Saturday. If you have been waiting for a reason to get outside, today is it.

Friday Forecast: Staten Island

The National Weather Service is calling for sunny conditions with a high near 67°F, falling to around 65°F by late afternoon. West winds 6 to 16 mph keep it breezy but comfortable. Overnight, temperatures dip to around 50°F as clouds build ahead of Saturday’s rain system. A slight chance of showers exists after 2 AM — nothing to worry about for Friday evening plans.

Forecast generated by NWS at 2:00 AM ET Friday, May 8, 2026 — within the 12-hour freshness threshold.

MTA: Staten Island Ferry and SIR

Normal service expected on both the Staten Island Ferry and the Staten Island Railway. Winds up to 16 mph are well below the threshold for Ferry service modifications. Rush hour commuters heading to Lower Manhattan via the Whitehall Terminal should see a smooth crossing. The SIR runs its standard weekday schedule.

For real-time service status, check new.mta.info or the MYmta app.

NYC Schools (DOE) — Staten Island

All Staten Island DOE schools are open Friday with full outdoor recess expected. At 67°F and sunny, conditions are ideal for physical education and outdoor activities. No weather closures or early dismissals anticipated. The DOE outdoor recess temperature threshold is well above the 32°F cold-weather cutoff and far below the 90°F+ heat protocol trigger.

Alternate Side Parking — Staten Island

Alternate side parking rules are in effect Friday, May 8. No holiday suspension. Staten Island drivers should check their street signs for sweeping schedules or confirm via NYC 311. The dry forecast means normal street-cleaning operations run without delay.

DSNY Garbage Pickup

DSNY Staten Island collection runs on normal Friday schedule. No weather delays. Dry conditions mean pickup crews operate efficiently. Recycling and compost programs proceed as posted.

Resident Decisions for Staten Island Friday

• Staten Island Greenbelt: Peak conditions for a trail run or hike. The 2,800-acre Greenbelt will be at its best — trails are dry, temperatures are mild, and foliage is in full spring form. Head in before Saturday’s rain muddies the paths.
• South Beach and Midland Beach: Boardwalk walking is excellent at 67°F. The Atlantic is still too cold for swimming (~52°F water temp this time of year), but beach walks are comfortable.
• If you commute by ferry: The crossing will be comfortable. Light jacket for the water crossing where wind chill drops temperatures a few degrees.
• If you drive the Goethals or Bayonne Bridge: Minor wind buffeting possible at bridge height with westerlies at 16 mph — nothing problematic, but motorcyclists should take note.
• Weekend planning: Saturday is a washout — 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms with rainfall of 0.25 to 0.50 inches on Staten Island (higher totals than Manhattan due to terrain). Push any outdoor plans to Friday or wait for Sunday’s rebound (high near 77°F).
• Gardeners: No frost risk tonight. Low of 50°F is safe for spring planting. Get your pots outside today — bring in tender annuals before Saturday’s downpours.

Why Staten Island Runs Warmer on West-Wind Days

When winds come out of the west at 6 to 16 mph, Staten Island’s inland neighborhoods and elevated terrain capture warmth before sea breezes off Lower New York Bay cool the shoreline. That’s why the Island routinely runs 5–8°F warmer than Manhattan on west-wind days in May. Brooklyn and Queens sit in a similar pattern today, but Staten Island’s distance from the cold bay water gives it the edge.

Saturday Warning: Rain and Thunderstorms

The National Weather Service forecasts a 90% chance of rain Saturday with showers likely before 2 PM transitioning to showers and thunderstorms by afternoon. Staten Island typically sees higher rainfall totals than Manhattan during southerly-track events — expect 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Low areas near Fresh Kills and tidal streets along the North Shore may see minor pooling. The SIR and Ferry operate in rain, but allow extra time for bus connections.

Source: National Weather Service — OKX Forecast Grid, Staten Island (NYZ074). Forecast generated May 8, 2026 at 2:00 AM ET.