Temperatures this past weekend clocked in at a high of 89°F with a real feel of 95°F, and as we can already tell that relentless heat is sticking around through the second half of June–just in time for the summer solstice.
The National Weather Service’s Hazardous Weather Outlook states that the first heat wave of the season is expected to start tomorrow, Tuesday, June 18th, with peak heat index values above 95.
Temperatures could even climb as high as 101º throughout the next few days, says the National Weather Service.
According to NBC 2024 currently ranks as the third warmest year-to-date, and after this month we wouldn’t be surprised if we jump up to first.
Average highs for this time of year in the city typically span between 79 and 81º, but NBC forecasters are predicting temperatures throughout the entirety of this week to live upwards of 20º above these averages.
The insanely high temperatures are the result of a “heat dome,” which, according to New Scientist, is an “exceptionally hot air mass that develops when high pressure aloft prevents warm air below from rising.” These high-pressure conditions mean lots of sunshine, which produce hotter conditions the longer the heat dome stays in one place.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert stated:
Unfortunately, it really doesn’t look like we’re going to see significant relief here once we get into the heat here for the middle of [this] week. That could change here, obviously, depending on where storms come and when we have rainfall as well. So, I wouldn’t want to say that we’re going to be in an extended heatwave, but at least through much of the middle, and even into the end of [this] week, we are looking at temperatures to be pretty well above normal.
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center also released their 8-14 day NYC temperature outlook, spanning from June 19 through June 25, which predicts above-average temperatures across all of New York State.
Mayor Eric Adams stated:
The first heat wave of the season is here and New York City has a plan to beat the heat — but we want all New Yorkers to have a plan as well. A heat wave can be more than just uncomfortable, it can be deadly and life-threatening if you are not prepared. I encourage all New Yorkers to have a plan to beat the heat and make sure to check in on your neighbors, especially your older adult neighbors, to drink water, and to keep pets hydrated.
This is just the beginning of what meteorologists say is going to be one of the hottest summers of our lifetime, so you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for the heat–here’s how NYC is preparing for a summer of suffocating heat.
If you’re looking for ways to stay cool through the rest of the month we suggest heading to one of NYC’s cooling centers, beaches, or public pools (which open for the season on June 29).
Plus don’t forget that it’s totally legal to jump into NYC’s fountains when it’s hot out!