Newark, N.J. – New Jersey has emerged as one of the hottest places in the Eastern United States this year, with two official weather stations reaching at least 105 degrees, surpassing the highest temperatures recorded so far in many cities across the South.
According to the National Weather Service Eastern Region, Pomona, New Jersey, reached 106 degrees, while Newark climbed to 105 degrees during 2026. Those readings exceed the highest temperatures observed so far this year in cities including Atlanta (not shown), Charlotte (99), Columbia (99), Norfolk (100), Richmond (100), Savannah (100), and Charleston, South Carolina (100).
The comparison uses official National Weather Service observing stations and measures each location’s hottest temperature recorded so far in 2026 against its average annual hottest temperature based on the 1991-2020 climate normals. New York City’s Central Park has reached 100 degrees, while Philadelphia peaked at 103 degrees, Baltimore hit 102 degrees, Washington, D.C., reached 103 degrees, and Raleigh also topped out at 103 degrees.
The data highlights just how intense this summer’s heat has been across parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, where several locations have already exceeded their typical annual hottest temperature. While not every city has reached the century mark, widespread stretches of above-normal heat have affected millions of residents.
With additional weeks of summer still ahead, temperatures could climb even higher before the season ends. Residents should continue monitoring local National Weather Service forecasts and Heat Advisories, stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat, and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
