STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island residents can expect mild temperatures Wednesday with highs in the 40s, but should prepare for potentially hazardous conditions Friday when a strong cold front brings heavy rain and powerful wind gusts approaching 50 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will see dry conditions with temperatures climbing well above freezing, causing substantial melting of existing snow cover. Winds will be from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph with occasional gusts up to 23 mph.
Thursday will continue the mild trend with dry conditions, but conditions will deteriorate Thursday night as a strong frontal system approaches. The National Weather Service has issued a Gale Watch for coastal waters from Thursday evening through Friday evening. For Staten Island, the most significant impacts will occur early Friday morning, when a brief period of heavy rain and potential thunderstorms will move through, accompanied by wind gusts that could reach 45 to 50 mph, with isolated locations possibly experiencing gusts exceeding 55 mph.
Friday morning’s high tide cycle may bring minor coastal flooding to south shore back bays, with the possibility of localized moderate coastal flooding in some areas. Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor forecasts closely.
After the front passes Friday, temperatures will drop throughout the day, with much colder conditions expected Friday night into Saturday. Any remaining moisture on surfaces may freeze Friday night as temperatures fall below 32 degrees.
The weekend forecast shows dry conditions returning Saturday with significantly colder temperatures. Sunday will warm slightly ahead of another cold front, with highs likely remaining in the 30s on Monday.
Looking ahead to early next week, temperatures are expected to return to near normal by Tuesday, with the next weather system potentially bringing light precipitation to the region.
The sun rises over Lighthouse Hill on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.(Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)
A sliver of the moon is seen amid clouds in Silver Lake on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.(Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)