Northeast Heat Wave Breaks Records, Relief Expected Soon
A significant heat wave has gripped the Northeast, with temperatures soaring into the 90s°F (30s°C) and breaking May records in several cities. Philadelphia reached 98°F (37°C) on May 19, surpassing its previous May record of 97°F (36°C) set in 1991. Newark, NJ, and Reading, PA, also tied their May records at 99°F (37°C) and 97°F (36°C), respectively. Boston experienced its hottest May day since 1944, hitting 96°F (36°C). Cooler air is expected to bring relief as a high-pressure system moves eastward, ending the four-day heat wave that spanned May 17-20. The heat was driven by a slow-moving high-pressure zone and warm southwesterly winds, though humidity levels remained moderate with dew points in the 60s°F (15-20°C).