According to the data from the meteorological department, on the afternoon of April 15th (Wednesday), the temperature in New York City soared to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 32 degrees Celsius), breaking the historical record for the highest temperature during the same period since 1941, making the city feel like midsummer.
Meteorologist Matt Benz from AccuWeather mentioned that the highest temperature recorded in New York City on April 15th in previous years was 87 degrees Fahrenheit in 1941. The temperature measured this year significantly exceeded this record.
He suggested that such weather is perfect for a seaside stroll, but advised against swimming as the sea water is still very cold.
It is expected that this unusually warm weather will persist until the weekend, with Thursday reaching a high of around 89 degrees Fahrenheit and Friday staying around 80 degrees, but the temperatures will quickly drop back to the range of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 16 degrees Celsius) over the weekend.
Meteorologists predict that this weekend will return to a typical April state, with a noticeable cool change in temperature. Next Monday and Tuesday might even witness a “cold air invasion”, leaving those who just experienced the high temperatures feeling quite uncomfortable.
Meteorologists pointed out that this round of high temperatures is mainly caused by abnormal atmospheric circulation. Storm activities in the western United States prevent cold air from moving eastward, while a strong high-pressure ridge is formed in the eastern part, leading to a rapid increase in temperature.
April has always been one of the months with the largest temperature fluctuations in New York, often characterized by drastic changes like “one day feels like summer, the next day feels like winter.”
Generally speaking, the average temperature in New York in April ranges from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with occasional highs in the 80s and sudden drops to near freezing. However, highs close to 90 degrees like this one are extremely rare.
In recent years, events like an “early summer arrival” or “abnormal high temperatures” are becoming more common. The early rise in spring temperatures not only affects human adaptation but also may have impacts on crops, ecology, and energy usage.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that later this month, temperatures in New York City will return to the normal range (60s), but drastic fluctuations in the short term may still occur.