Near-Record Heat Returns to the Northeast Just in Time for Back to School

Brian Donegan
Published: September 7,2016
As many kids in the Northeast head back to school this week, record or near-record heat is returning to the region as high temperatures climb well into the 90s in many locations.
Not only will it be hot, but the humidity will make it feel even more unbearable with heat index values approaching 100 degrees in some cities.

Current "Feels Like" Temperature

Record or Near-Record Heat in the Northeast

The heat will continue to build through Friday as a large ridge of high pressure (bulge in the jet stream) takes hold of the Northeast. One concern with this is that many kids are going back to school this week, and most schools don't have air conditioning in this part of the country.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for portions of eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, including the Philadelphia metro area, the entire state of Delaware and parts of Maryland's Eastern Shore, as heat indices are forecast to be in the 100-105 degree range Thursday.
(MORE: Peak Summer Temperatures Coming Later)

Current Heat Alerts

Thursday, many cities will be about 15 degrees above average for afternoon highs. Some places farther East will stay nearly as hot into Friday and Saturday, as well. This means highs well into the 90s are expected, with heat indices near or above 100 degrees at times.
(MAPS: 10-Day Forecast Highs/Lows)

Forecast Highs

Some of these high temperatures will approach daily record levels. Here are some of the cities where daily record highs are possible (current record to beat is shown):

• Thursday: Newark, New Jersey (94 degrees), Philadelphia (96 degrees), Williamsport, Pennsylvania (92 degrees)
• Friday: Baltimore (94 degrees), Boston (91 degrees), New York City (94 degrees), Providence, Rhode Island (91 degrees)

There won't be much relief from the heat at night. Low temperatures will generally hold in the 70s the next several mornings, and some urban heat islands will struggle to drop much below 80 degrees.
(MORE: Urban Heat Islands: Why Cities are Warmer than Rural Areas)

Setup for this Late Summer Heat

A large ridge of high pressure (bulge in the jet stream) has taken hold of the Northeast. This has caused a quick increase in temperatures and dew points.
(MORE: Record Streak for Oppressive Humidity Set at New York's JFK Airport)
Dew points will exceed 70 degrees at times through Friday, and when combined with temperatures in the 90s, some places could see heat indices over 100 degrees.

The National Weather Service has issued some great heat safety tips.

• Drink before you are thirsty.
• Do NOT leave kids or pets in the car, even for a minute.
• Reduce time in the sun.
• Avoid strenuous activity; postpone outdoor activities.
• Seek air-conditioned buildings.
• Help the elderly, kids and pets stay cool.
• Keep window blinds closed.

MORE: Urban Heat Islands