Major cities in the Northeast shattered or tied heat records on Tuesday as temperatures reached scorching levels.
Why It Matters
Extreme heat warnings have been in place for cities like Baltimore; Washington, D.C.; New York City; Boston; Raleigh, North Carolina; Philadelphia; Newark, New Jersey; and Providence, Rhode Island.
Temperatures soared into the triple digits as the National Weather Service (NWS) warned of “Dangerously hot conditions.” People were advised to stay out of the sun, drink fluids, and to check on relatives and neighbors.
The blistering temperatures coupled with high humidity on the East Coast “may cause heat illnesses,” the NWS warns.
What To Know
Amid the days-long heat wave, numerous cities have broken or tied high-temperature records on Tuesday.
On X, formerly Twitter, NWS Boston reported both Providence and Boston broke records: “Today was the hottest June day ever recorded in Boston and Providence! (Update since Boston’s temperature just jumped to 102 at 5:23 PM!) #102 #100 #MAwx #RIwx”
Boston previously hit 100 degrees in June 2021, 1952 and 1925, the NWS says in a picture posted to X. Providence previously reached 98 degrees in 1945 and 1943.
NWS New York, NY also said that Newark International Airport also tied the hottest temperature recorded in the month of June and broke the daily record at 103 degrees.
The Raleigh-Durham Airport broke a daily record on Tuesday, hitting 100 degrees. “The previous record of 99°F was last set in 2010,” NWS Raleigh posted to X.
Poughkeepsie, New York, also saw 100 degrees, according to NWS Albany, which posted that the city “not only breaks the daily record for the date but also is the first time Poughkeepsie has hit 100F or higher since July 22, 2011 when the site reached 102F. #nywx”
Philadelphia hit a daily record of 101 degrees, breaking its previous high mark of 99.
What People Are Saying
David Roth, forecaster for the Weather Prediction Center at the NWS, told Newsweek via phone on Tuesday when asked if the number of records broken is normal this time of year: “It’s certainly a high number, just shows you the extent of the heat wave. Maine got into the 90s; that’s very unusual. Usually, July is the hottest month of the year.”
NWS New York, NY on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday: “A record setting day across the area. Some of our climate stations broke or tied their maximum temperature record for the month of June. All six climate stations set a new record high for the date (June 24th). #nycwx #nywx #njwx #ctwx #hvwx #liwx”
NWS on X Tuesday: “Extremely dangerous heat will persist from the Midwest to the East Coast as numerous daily record highs and very warm overnight lows are expected through Wednesday. Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories have been issued. During hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect.”
Continuing, “When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. Stay Weather-Ready by learning the symptoms of Extreme Heat exposure and the appropriate responses. http://weather.gov/safety/heat-illness”
What Happens Next
Roth said the heat wave will start “breaking down” Wednesday, as the heat dome was the strongest on Tuesday. He said it will take a little bit of time to get this hot again for the northern mid-Atlantic region and New England.
