A storm is set to drench New York City on Thursday, bringing the heaviest rain the region has seen in more than a month amid the city’s driest fall season on record.

The storm is forecasted to deliver around an inch of rain to the city and close to 2 inches of rain to nearby reservoirs. 

The heaviest rainfall is expected between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., bringing high wind gusts and coastal flooding concerns.

City officials have already activated their flash flood plan, working to clear catch basins and sewers to mitigate potential flooding. The Department of Buildings is also urging construction sites to secure materials and prepare for windy conditions through the weekend. 

This rainfall will come just days after the city’s “drought watch” was elevated to a “drought warning” for the first time since 2002. October was recorded as New York City’s driest month ever.

Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday said the city has temporarily suspended the issuance of permits for fireworks displays or open flames across the five boroughs in an effort to prevent brush fires.

Adams previously banned grilling in city parks during drought conditions. 

The drought has left rainfall totals for the season about 8 inches below average. According to the city’s Department of Environmental Protection, the city’s reservoir levels are currently at 59.8%. They are normally at 79.2%, according to the DEP.

The National Weather Service said in a post to X that Thursday’s forecasted rain is “not a drought buster, but it will help.”

Despite rainy conditions, temperatures will remain seasonable, ranging from the low to mid-50s.