Millions Urged To Stay Out of Sun in 6 States As Temperature Records Broken

Millions of Americans across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are being urged to limit time outdoors as a powerful early-season heat wave drives record-breaking and near-record temperatures across at least six states. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued widespread Heat Advisories for Wednesday, warning that “ hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses ,” particularly as the region experiences an unusually hot mid-May. Forecasters say the event is notable not just for the heat itself, but for its timing: Early-season heat waves can be more dangerous because people are not yet acclimated, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.

Where Heat Advisories Were Issued Pennsylvania Pennsylvania is among the hardest-hit states, with multiple cities setting or tying records on May 19. According to the NWS Mount Holly office: Reading reached 97°F, breaking a previous record of 96°F set in 1962 Philadelphia hit 98°F, surpassing the old record of 96°F set in 1962 These temperatures are well above seasonal norms, which typically see May highs in the low to mid-70s, underscoring the severity of the heat spike. New Jersey In New Jersey, temperatures climbed into the mid-to-upper 90s, with heat index values as high as 98°F in parts of the state.

Trenton tied its daily record : 96°F, matching the previous record set in 1962 Across central and southern counties, advisories highlight the elevated dangers of heat combined with humidity, particularly in urban areas where temperatures can feel even higher. Delaware Delaware, including New Castle County and the Wilmington area, also saw extreme heat: Wilmington reached 96°F , breaking its previous record of 95°F from 1962 The NWS warned that the combination of heat and early-season timing could amplify impacts, especially for those who don’t have access to air conditioning. New York In New York City and surrounding counties, heat indexes climbed into the mid-90s, triggering advisories across all five boroughs.

While not all locations formally broke records, forecasters said the city experienced one of its hottest stretches so far this year, with temperatures climbing far above typical May averages in the 70s. The NWS urged residents to use cooling centers and check on vulnerable neighbors, noting that apartment temperatures can exceed outdoor readings without proper cooling. Massachusetts Parts of Massachusetts, including Boston and Worcester, also experienced unusually high temperatures, with heat indexes reaching up to 96°F.