NYC Weather: Severe Thunderstorms Could Wash Away Wildfire Smoke

NEW YORK CITY — Hazy skies tinged with West Coast wildfire smoke could give way to rain and severe thunderstorms Wednesday, forecasters warn.

A cold front moving into New York City could bring heavy rain, damaging winds and hail, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters issued a severe thunderstorm watch effective Wednesday until 8 p.m.

"Good news is the front helps clear our skies out some tonight," the NWS New York office tweeted.

A happy, hazy hump day!

Smoke from the Western wildfires is continuing to invade our skies this morning.

An advancing cold front generates scattered showers and thunderstorms later today, and a few may be severe. Good news is the front helps clear our skies out some tonight. pic.twitter.com/u7jIWmyX3z
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 21, 2021

Smoke from West Coast wildfires from Northern California up into Southern Canada blew across the country and enveloped the city's skies starting Monday. The haze created eerie scenes of red desert-colored sunrises and ashen air covering the skyline.

Expect clouds, perhaps bringing rain, to replace the smoke-filled skies on and off through the weekend.

Here's the National Weather Service forecast:

Wednesday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 7pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Mostly clear, with a low around 66. North wind 8 to 10 mph.

Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind around 9 mph.

Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Friday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind around 7 mph.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 85.

Saturday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Sunday
A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Monday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.