NYC Under Flash Flood Watch As Heavy Rain, Storms Approach

NEW YORK CITY — New York City can't catch a break, weather-wise.

Drenching rain is expected to the city Thursday afternoon, washing away what remains of a heat wave but also potentially causing floods across the city, forecasters warned.

A flash flood watch for the city is in effect Thursday until 2 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The forecast shows a strong chance of rain, with potential storms, after 1 p.m.

"Periods of heavy showers and thunderstorms, with rainfall rates potentially exceeding one inch per hour, could produce flash flooding," the flash flood watch states.

Temperatures this week hit record highs in parts of New York City. The rain and storms, while heavy, will coincide with a drop in temperature to about 75 degrees by 5 p.m., according to the forecast.

A strong chance of rain will remain in the forecast through Sunday.

Here's the complete National Weather Service forecast for the week and July 4 holiday weekend.

Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Temperature falling to around 75 by 5pm. West wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday
Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind around 9 mph becoming north after midnight.

Saturday
A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. North wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Independence Day
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 71.