Dry Spell Ends With Rain Thursday
A 19-day dry stretch in New York is set to break with rain on Thursday, Nov. 5, after a run of record highs.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Current Conditions
Temperatures reached the lower to middle 70s on the day of publication, setting record highs across the area. The 19-day dry stretch, the driest since 1980, is expected to end with rain on Thursday, November 5.
Why it matters
The end of the dry spell brings relief after an unusually long run without measurable precipitation, and the cooldown that follows marks a sharp transition from recent record warmth. Residents should expect a return to more seasonal temperatures in the days ahead.
The forecast draws on a 19-day dry-day count, the longest since 1980, with 0.25 to 1 inch of rain expected over five days and Thursday gusts reaching 20-25 mph at times. Exact rainfall totals by location and the precise timing of the heaviest showers remain unspecified.
The players
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is the federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings across the United States.
The details
A line of rain will push in from the west ahead of a cold front by morning Thursday, transitioning to rain showers in the afternoon and early evening. By Friday the cold front will push south and east, leaving most areas dry, with scattered showers returning Saturday under mostly cloudy skies.
Timeline
Thursday, Nov. 5: 19-day dry stretch ends with morning rain.
Friday, Nov. 6: Cold front pushes south and east; mostly dry.
Saturday, Nov. 7: Scattered showers under mostly cloudy skies.
Seasonal Patterns
The 19-day dry stretch is the driest since 1980, placing this autumn spell in a rare historical comparison for the region. The coming week's highs in the 40s and 50s mark a return to seasonal norms after a run of record warmth.
Expect rain beginning Thursday morning and wind gusts of 20-25 mph at times, so plan travel and outdoor activities accordingly. Cooler overnight lows in the lower to middle 50s and highs in the 40s and 50s next week call for layered clothing.
The takeaway
The end of this dry spell signals a shift to cooler, more seasonal weather, so residents should plan for wind and rain on Thursday and cooler temperatures into next week.
What happens next
Rain is expected to begin Thursday morning, November 5, with scattered showers returning Saturday, November 7.
Further reading
For the latest local readings, check Current Conditions across New York.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NEWS10 ABC.
