CNN meteorologist Haley Brink said temperatures in the region could climb into the 90s in the afternoon, and heat index values could be as high as 100 degrees, about 15 to 25 degrees higher than normal for this time of year.
However, Sunday will be the last day of extreme heat for a while, as a cold front is expected to move into the region tonight, bringing strong to severe storms and cooler temperatures.
The National Weather Service predicted Boston could see a high of 96 degrees on Sunday. The day’s high was 93 degrees, while the monthly high for May was 97 degrees, going back to May 26, 1880.
Boston’s records are kept at Logan International Airport, which is located on the ocean, so these temperatures tend to be milder than those inland. If the sea breeze is in the right direction, it could prevent temperatures at the airport from reaching records.
“We’re definitely a little bit ahead of schedule,” said Matthew Belk, a meteorologist with the Boston Weather Service Office. “The average first 90-degree day in Boston is June 8. When you go to Hartford (Conn.) ), a little earlier; May 30 is usually the first 90 degree day on average.”
This weekend’s early-season heatwave was all due to high pressure on the east coast causing southerly winds to blow hot, humid air across the northeast – making temperatures 20 to 30 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year.
Richmond, Virginia, also set records of 95 degrees Saturday and Hagerstown, Maryland, 91 degrees, according to weather service data, while Philadelphia and Dulles International Airport set records of 95 and 92 degrees, respectively.
half feel hot
Nearly 170 million people, or about 52 percent of the population of the lower 48 states, are expected to experience 90-degree heat over the weekend.
On Sunday, New York City is expected to hit 90, Philadelphia 92, Baltimore 91 and Washington, D.C., 93, the Weather Service said.
“More than half of the U.S. population will see temperatures of 90 degrees or above this weekend, and it’s only May,” CNN meteorologist Pedram Javaheri said.
For some areas, it’s not just heat, but also humidity, that brings triple-digit “feel” temperatures.
The Baltimore/Washington Weather Service said: “Because of the many outdoor activities planned in the area this weekend, be aware of the heat and take extra precautions if you are working or spending time outdoors this weekend.”
Heat up a ‘sneaky killer’
Although summer may not yet appear on the calendar, Mother Nature has other plans, so it’s important to understand the health dangers associated with this heatwave. For example, never leave children or animals in a hot car. once.
“As this will be the first heatwave of the year, it’s important to really realize the importance of making sure you’re aware of any heatstroke or heatstroke-related symptoms and taking extra care of them, having extra water on hand to combat the situation and shade sex,” said Aaron Swiggett, a meteorologist with the Raleigh, N.C., Office of the Weather Service.
Swiggett also noted that the predicted temperatures were actually in the shade, not in direct sunlight. So keep in mind that your predicted high temperatures will actually feel hotter in direct sunlight.
Skeen emphasized the importance of taking heat seriously.
“Make sure you stay hydrated, stay in the shade, and stay out of the sun as much as possible,” Skeen says. “And pay close attention to people in their lives who are more susceptible to heat, such as young and old and those who may be compromised.”
The good news is that the heatwave will be short-lived. Once the cold front crosses the east coast on Monday, temperatures in the northeast and mid-Atlantic will drop back into the 60s and 70s.
