New York City, New York — A major surge of summerlike heat and humidity is expected to take over much of the eastern United States next week, with forecasters warning that AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures could climb into the upper 90s and near 100 degrees in several areas.
The dramatic weather shift will leave many residents going from jackets and chilly mornings to shorts and air conditioners within just a few days.
Summer Conditions Arriving Early
Meteorologists say the upcoming heat will bring some of the highest humidity levels seen so far this year, making conditions feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature.
“Given the forecast temperatures and humidity levels in the East early next week, it will feel more like summer than spring,” forecasters said. “In many areas, Tuesday will bring the highest temperatures of the year so far, surpassing the highs reached in April.’
The sharp warm-up is expected to affect a large stretch of the East Coast and Northeast, where temperatures have remained relatively mild for much of May.
Major Cities Could Reach 90 Degrees
Several major cities are expected to see temperatures surge into the 90s early next week.
Cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. previously hit the 90-degree mark during a brief April warm spell, but most locations have stayed cooler throughout May until now.
Meanwhile, southern cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Columbia, South Carolina, have also experienced earlier bursts of heat this year.
For parts of New England, the temperature jump could feel even more dramatic.
In cities like Boston, some residents are still waiting for their first 80-degree day of the year. That is expected to change quickly as the heat builds eastward from the Mississippi Valley over the weekend.
Humidity to Push RealFeel® Temperatures Higher
While air temperatures alone will be intense, the added humidity is expected to make conditions feel even more uncomfortable.
Forecasters say many areas could experience Temperatures well into the 90s, with some locations nearing the 100-degree mark during the hottest part of the day.
Some coastal communities may avoid the worst heat because cooler Atlantic Ocean waters and onshore breezes could temporarily keep temperatures lower. However, inland areas are expected to feel the full impact of the heatwave.
Drought Conditions May Worsen
One of the biggest concerns associated with the hot pattern is the lack of rainfall expected across much of the East.
Little to no rain is forecast during this extended stretch of hot weather, which could intensify drought conditions already affecting parts of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
“The combination of intense mid-May sunshine and heat will pull additional moisture from the ground across multiple states in the East,” a meteorologist said. “That will likely worsen and expand drought conditions during a critical period for crop development, while also further lowering stream, lake and reservoir levels heading into summer.”
Dry ground conditions combined with strong sunshine may also create challenges for agriculture and water supplies heading into the warmer months.
Wildfire Risk Also Increasing
Forecasters are additionally warning that the hot and dry pattern could elevate the risk of brushfires in some regions.
“Despite an uptick in humidity levels into next week, any day where the breeze is active, combined with drought, dry vegetation and fallen leaves from last autumn, the risk of brushfires will increase as temperatures surge,” meteorologists said.
Areas that recently received heavy rainfall, including parts of upstate New York and New England, are expected to face lower wildfire concerns for now.
Some temporary relief may arrive from Tuesday into Wednesday as showers and thunderstorms move into parts of the Tennessee Valley, Ohio Valley, and Appalachians.
How are temperatures looking in your area? Share your thoughts and weather conditions in the comments below.
