NEW YORK, New York — Put the jacket away. The cold snap that dragged on through early May is over — and what is replacing it is nothing short of stunning.
A powerful heat wave is roasting the Eastern United States this week, pushing temperatures 15 to 25 degrees above normal for mid-May. More than 80 million people are expected to experience 90-degree heat by Wednesday, stretching from the Southern Plains all the way into the Northeast.
And for many cities, this is not just uncomfortable. It is historic.
Records Could Fall in Dozens of Cities
More than 60 locations have a chance to break daily record highs this week.
Charleston, WV, and Syracuse, NY, could see record temperatures as early as Monday. Cleveland, Scranton, PA, and Hartford, CT, may follow on Tuesday.
Philadelphia is under its first May Heat Advisory since 2022 — and officials expect the city to hit 98 degrees on Tuesday. If that happens, it would break Philadelphia’s all-time May temperature record.
Washington, D.C. is also forecast to reach 98 degrees, which would tie the city’s second-hottest May temperature ever recorded.
New York City’s Central Park could touch 94 degrees on Tuesday or Wednesday — the hottest May reading there in 30 years.
Boston is bracing for its first 90-degree May day in five years. Pittsburgh could see its first 90-degree day in eight years.
Why This Feels So Sudden
The whiplash is real.
The first 15 days of May ran two to five degrees below normal across a wide stretch of the country — from the Mississippi Valley to upstate New York.
Cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh had not recorded a single 80-degree day all year. Washington D.C. and Philadelphia had only hit 80 degrees twice this month. New York City had done it just once.
That long cold stretch made the sudden arrival of summer-level heat even more jarring — and more dangerous, because bodies and communities have had no time to adjust.
Heat Advisories Are Already in Effect
Heat Advisories are now in place from Philadelphia northward through New York City, Providence, RI, and Boston.
Officials warn that several cities, including Philadelphia and Baltimore, could see their first official heat wave of the season — defined as three consecutive days at or above 90 degrees — from Monday through Wednesday.
If you are in an affected area, check on elderly neighbors and anyone who lives without air conditioning. Avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated throughout the day.
It Won’t Last — But Be Careful Until It Ends
A strong cold front is expected to arrive late in the week, knocking temperatures back into the 60s and 70s.
But before that relief comes, the next few days carry real risk — especially for young children, seniors, and outdoor workers.
This week is not the time to push through the heat. Take it seriously, look out for your neighbors, and stay cool.
Are you feeling the heat in your city this week? Tell us how hot it is where you are in the comments below — we want to hear from you.
