Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay, NY
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond. Image by Rhododendrites via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Today’s Forecast:
🌧
57°F
High: 60°
|
Low: 57°
Current Temperature
Light Rain
⚠️
Coastal Flood Warning
Coastal Flood Warning issued September 26 at 4:23PM EDT until September 27 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY (Expires: September 27, 2026 5:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, 1 1/2 to 2 ft, locally 2
1/2 ft, of inundation above ground level in vulnerable areas
near the waterfront and shoreline. For the High Surf Advisory,
large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet in the surf zone. For the
High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. The highest water
levels are likely with the Sunday morning high tides.
* WHERE...Kings (Brooklyn) and Southern Queens Counties.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 6 PM EDT Sunday.
For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT Sunday. For the
High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday evening.
* COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS...Widespread moderate flooding of
vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. Expect 1 to
2, locally 2 1/2 ft of inundation above ground level in
low lying, vulnerable areas. The highest water levels will be
along Jamaica Bay, particularly along the north facing shoreline
of the Rockaways. This will result in numerous road closures
and cause widespread flooding of low lying property including
parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with
basements near the waterfront. Vehicles parked in vulnerable
areas near the waterfront will likely become flooded. Flooding
will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers
and bays.
* BEACHFRONT IMPACTS...Breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet along with
elevated water levels will result in widespread dune erosion
and beach flooding. Localized overwashes are possible where
dune structures are compromised, resulting in some flooding of
roadways and vulnerable structures behind protective dunes.
Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach
erosion. Life threatening rip currents are likely for all
people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches
should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the
best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Additional rounds of minor coastal
flooding are possible for the Sunday night into early next week
high tides.
Instructions:
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If
travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through
water of unknown depth.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.
If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with
you and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax
and float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in
a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face
the shore and yell or wave for help.
⚠️
High Surf Advisory
High Surf Advisory issued September 26 at 4:23PM EDT until September 27 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY (Expires: September 27, 2026 7:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, 1 1/2 to 2 ft, locally 2
1/2 ft, of inundation above ground level in vulnerable areas
near the waterfront and shoreline. For the High Surf Advisory,
large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet in the surf zone. For the
High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. The highest water
levels are likely with the Sunday morning high tides.
* WHERE...Kings (Brooklyn) and Southern Queens Counties.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 6 PM EDT Sunday.
For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT Sunday. For the
High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday evening.
* COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS...Widespread moderate flooding of
vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. Expect 1 to
2, locally 2 1/2 ft of inundation above ground level in
low lying, vulnerable areas. The highest water levels will be
along Jamaica Bay, particularly along the north facing shoreline
of the Rockaways. This will result in numerous road closures
and cause widespread flooding of low lying property including
parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with
basements near the waterfront. Vehicles parked in vulnerable
areas near the waterfront will likely become flooded. Flooding
will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers
and bays.
* BEACHFRONT IMPACTS...Breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet along with
elevated water levels will result in widespread dune erosion
and beach flooding. Localized overwashes are possible where
dune structures are compromised, resulting in some flooding of
roadways and vulnerable structures behind protective dunes.
Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach
erosion. Life threatening rip currents are likely for all
people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches
should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the
best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Additional rounds of minor coastal
flooding are possible for the Sunday night into early next week
high tides.
Instructions:
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If
travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through
water of unknown depth.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.
If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with
you and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax
and float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in
a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face
the shore and yell or wave for help.
⚠️
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued September 26 at 4:23PM EDT until September 27 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY (Expires: September 27, 2026 7:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, 1 1/2 to 2 ft, locally 2
1/2 ft, of inundation above ground level in vulnerable areas
near the waterfront and shoreline. For the High Surf Advisory,
large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet in the surf zone. For the
High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. The highest water
levels are likely with the Sunday morning high tides.
* WHERE...Kings (Brooklyn) and Southern Queens Counties.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 6 PM EDT Sunday.
For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT Sunday. For the
High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday evening.
* COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS...Widespread moderate flooding of
vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. Expect 1 to
2, locally 2 1/2 ft of inundation above ground level in
low lying, vulnerable areas. The highest water levels will be
along Jamaica Bay, particularly along the north facing shoreline
of the Rockaways. This will result in numerous road closures
and cause widespread flooding of low lying property including
parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with
basements near the waterfront. Vehicles parked in vulnerable
areas near the waterfront will likely become flooded. Flooding
will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers
and bays.
* BEACHFRONT IMPACTS...Breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet along with
elevated water levels will result in widespread dune erosion
and beach flooding. Localized overwashes are possible where
dune structures are compromised, resulting in some flooding of
roadways and vulnerable structures behind protective dunes.
Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach
erosion. Life threatening rip currents are likely for all
people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches
should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the
best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Additional rounds of minor coastal
flooding are possible for the Sunday night into early next week
high tides.
Instructions:
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If
travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through
water of unknown depth.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.
If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with
you and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax
and float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in
a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face
the shore and yell or wave for help.
⚠️
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued September 26 at 1:47PM EDT until September 27 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY (Expires: September 27, 2026 11:00 am)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...North winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
* WHERE...In Connecticut, Northern Middlesex, Southern Fairfield, and
Southern New Haven Counties. In New York, Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn),
New York (Manhattan), Northern Queens, Richmond (Staten Island),
Southern Queens, and Southern Westchester Counties.
* WHEN...Until noon EDT Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Instructions:
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Secure outdoor objects.
Tonight:Rain and isolated thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind 30 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Sunday:Rain and isolated thunderstorms before 2pm, then rain showers likely between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 65 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 24 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Sunday Night:Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 63. East wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
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Today’s Report:
Biking
Not Recommended
18
/100
Not Recommended for biking. High near 66°F. Rain forecast later today (92%). Windy conditions (31 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
17/100
Not Recommended for biking. High near 66°F. High rain probability (95%). Breezy winds (17 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.
Paddling
Not Recommended
12
/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 66°F. Rain forecast later today (92%). Windy conditions (31 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening.
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
7/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 66°F. High rain probability (95%). Breezy winds (17 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.
Outdoor Events / Activities
Not Recommended
18
/100
Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 66°F. Rain forecast later today (92%). Windy conditions (31 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
17/100
Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 66°F. High rain probability (95%). Breezy winds (17 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.
About Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay
Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay is a New York destination for federal beaches, wetlands, paddling, cycling, birding, and coastal outdoor events.
Make the Most of a Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay Day
Match the route, launch, facility, or turnaround time to precipitation, wind, temperature, visibility, water conditions, snow or ice, and seasonal access. Keep a shorter or more sheltered alternative ready.
Weather Tips for Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay
- Check official access notices, alerts, trail or road conditions, and local forecasts before leaving.
- Check marine wind, surf, fog, rip-current guidance, tides, cold-water risk, beach flags, and seasonal access before coastal plans.
- Bring layers, water, navigation, sun protection, and traction or flotation appropriate to the season and activity.
- Allow extra time for traffic, limited winter daylight, lake-effect snow, freeze-thaw mud, and seasonal facility schedules.
Nearby Towns and Areas
This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
- Floyd Bennett Field
- Fort Tilden
- Riis Park
- Breezy Point
- Canarsie Pier
Plan Around the Conditions
Choose the safest version of a Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay day by matching the activity to current wind, precipitation, temperature, visibility, water or snow conditions, access, and daylight.
7-Day Forecast for Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay
Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay Weather by Season
Winter
Winter at Gateway National Recreation Area & Jamaica Bay brings cold, shorter daylight, and periodic snow or ice. Marine wind, surf, fog, rip currents, cold water, tides, and seasonal access should be checked before beach or paddling plans.
Spring
Spring is changeable, with rain, mud, snowmelt, rising water, and lingering ice in shaded or elevated terrain. Lower routes and developed facilities generally become usable before exposed, backcountry, or high-elevation areas.
Summer
Summer usually provides the broadest access, but heat, humidity, thunderstorms, crowds, and occasional wildfire smoke can alter plans. Start exposed outings early and keep a weather-safe turnaround point.
Fall
Fall brings cooler air, foliage crowds, shorter daylight, and increasing wind. Early snow or ice can reach northern and elevated areas while lower valleys and coastal destinations remain milder.
Key Climate Data Points
- Annual average temperature: around 52–56°F, using the relevant local and elevation context.
- Annual snowfall: usually about 15–30 inches, with highly variable winters and frequent rain-snow transitions.
- Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
- Coolest months: January is typically coolest, with February similarly cold in northern and elevated areas.
- Wettest season: precipitation is distributed through the year, with late spring through summer often wettest from rain and thunderstorms.
- Driest season: no season is reliably dry statewide; early fall often provides the most stable outdoor windows.
- Best outdoor window: June through October for warm-season access, with midwinter best only where established winter recreation is supported.