Rain is moving into New York City on this Mother’s Day weekend Saturday, with widespread showers and the potential for embedded thunderstorms expected through much of the day. Here’s what every borough needs to know before stepping outside.
Today’s Forecast at a Glance
- High: Mid-60s
- Precipitation: Rain widespread; 0.5–1 inch expected citywide
- Thunderstorm risk: Possible; severe threat marginal
- Tonight: Rain tapers off into Saturday evening
- Tomorrow (Mother’s Day): Beautiful sunny morning in the mid-to-upper 70s; rain and storms return by late afternoon
Forecast period: Saturday, May 9, 2026. Source: National Weather Service New York/OKX (weather.gov/okx); CBS New York First Alert Forecast, issued May 8, 2026 at 11:33 PM EDT.
Borough-by-Borough Impact
Manhattan
Central Park will be wet and muddy throughout the day — save the blanket-in-the-park plans for Sunday morning. Hudson River Park piers will be slick with rain and gusty winds coming off the water. If you’re heading to brunch, bring a sturdy umbrella. This is sustained rain, not a drizzle. MTA note: F trains are making local stops at 79 St and 86 St through Monday 5 AM due to structural maintenance work.
Brooklyn
Prospect Park’s paths will be slippery and muddy throughout Saturday. Coney Island and Brighton Beach are a hard pass today — gray skies, wet sand, and choppy surf. MTA service changes in Brooklyn are significant: J and Z trains are skipping Ralph Av and Rockaway Av through Monday 5:30 AM. D trains are running nonstop from 18 Av to Kings Hwy through Monday 5 AM. L train riders face split service: two separate sections operating between 8 Av and Broadway Junction, and between Broadway Junction and Canarsie-Rockaway Pkwy — transfer at Broadway Junction.
Queens
Rockaway Beach is nearly three weeks from its Memorial Day season opening — no lifeguards are on duty regardless, and today’s rain and storm conditions make any visit inadvisable. The 7 train is not running between 74 St-Broadway and 34 St-Hudson Yards through Monday 3:30 AM due to Flushing Line station work. Free shuttle buses (T320 and T323) connect affected stations. The LIRR is accommodating subway riders between Queens and Manhattan at no additional cost from Flushing, Mets-Willets Point, and Woodside to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison.
The Bronx
Pelham Bay Park’s beach area and Orchard Beach will be wet and inaccessible for waterfront activity. Van Cortlandt Park trails will be muddy. MTA note: Manhattan-bound 4 and 5 trains are skipping Mosholu Pkwy through Sunday 10 PM — take a Woodlawn-bound train and transfer. The 6 train is running express from Parkchester to 3 Av-138 St through Monday 5 AM.
Staten Island
Rain hits the whole island today. The Staten Island Ferry runs rain or shine, though Lower New York Bay will be choppy. Conference House Park and the Greenbelt trails will be muddy and slippery. South Beach boardwalk will be walkable in rain gear but expect a wet, gray scene on the Atlantic shore.
MTA: Weekend Service Changes (May 8–11, 2026)
Verified from the MTA Weekender for May 8–11, 2026, published May 8, 2026:
- 7 train — No service between 74 St-Broadway and 34 St-Hudson Yards through Monday 3:30 AM. Free shuttle buses T320 and T323 available. LIRR accommodates subway riders at no extra charge from Flushing, Mets-Willets Point, and Woodside.
- L train — Split service: 8 Av to Broadway Junction and Broadway Junction to Canarsie-Rockaway Pkwy as two separate sections. Transfer required at Broadway Junction. Signal work.
- F train (Manhattan) — Making local stops at 79 St and 86 St through Monday 5 AM. Structural maintenance.
- 4/5 train (Bronx) — Manhattan-bound trains skip Mosholu Pkwy, Saturday 3:45 AM through Sunday 10 PM. Track replacement work.
- 6 train (Bronx) — Express from Parkchester to 3 Av-138 St through Monday 5 AM.
- J/Z trains (Brooklyn) — Skipping Ralph Av and Rockaway Av through Monday 5:30 AM. Structural work.
- D train (Brooklyn) — Nonstop from 18 Av to Kings Hwy through Monday 5 AM. Station work.
Check the MTA app or mta.info/alerts for real-time updates before heading out.
Schools
Saturday — no NYC Department of Education school day. No outdoor recess decision required.
Alternate Side Parking
May 9, 2026 is not a designated suspension day on NYC’s 2026 Alternate Side Parking calendar. Saturday ASP rules vary by block — most residential streets in NYC do not have Saturday street cleaning. Check the sign on your specific block. DSNY may announce same-day ASP suspensions for severe weather via NYC 311 (nyc.gov/311).
DSNY Garbage Collection
Saturday is a regular residential collection day in most NYC districts. Rain does not affect scheduled garbage pickup.
Your Decision Guide for Saturday
- Biking: Skip it. Rain, possible thunderstorms, and slick roads make this a transit or walking day.
- Outdoor dining/brunch: Go inside today — or save the outdoor table for Sunday morning before noon.
- Parks and trails: Walkable with rain gear and waterproof boots, but expect mud. Avoid open grassy areas.
- Beaches: Hard no today. A window opens Sunday morning.
- Driving: Budget extra travel time. Rain reduces visibility and grip. Watch for standing water in low-lying areas and underpasses.
Sources: National Weather Service New York (OKX) | CBS New York First Alert Forecast, May 8, 2026 | MTA Weekender May 8–11, 2026 | NYC DOT Alternate Side Parking
