New York, NY – An intense early-season heat wave shattered or tied temperature records across much of the eastern United States Tuesday, with several major cities reaching temperatures more common in mid-summer than May.
According to the National Weather Service Eastern Region Headquarters, temperatures surged into the upper 90s across portions of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on May 19, setting numerous daily record highs and tying some all-time May records.
Newark, New Jersey, reached 99 degrees Tuesday, tying the city’s all-time May temperature record originally set on May 20, 1996. Officials noted it marked the third consecutive day with temperatures in the 90s, making it Newark’s first heat wave of 2026.
Philadelphia climbed to 98 degrees, while Baltimore hit 99 degrees. Washington, D.C., Raleigh, and Reading, Pennsylvania, each reached 97 degrees. Boston recorded a high of 96 degrees — its hottest May temperature since 1944.
Farther north, Manchester, New Hampshire, reached 97 degrees, tying the city’s all-time May heat record set in 2010. New York City’s LaGuardia Airport reached 95 degrees Tuesday, while Central Park climbed to 93.
According to the National Weather Service, a weather station in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens near Coyles Field recorded 101 degrees Tuesday afternoon, one of the hottest readings in the region during the event.
Meteorologists said the unusual May heat created dangerous conditions across densely populated urban areas where humidity intensified the impact. Heat advisories remained active across portions of the Northeast Wednesday as officials urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Preliminary climate data from Tuesday may still be updated as additional observations are reviewed.
