What to Know
- Much of the tri-state was expected to see record-breaking temps Thursday; LaGuardia hit a new record before 11 a.m.
- The temperature reached 93 degrees at LaGuardia Airport Wednesday, surpassing the 90-degree record high set in 1974
- The heat spell is short-lived, however, with the weekend looking cool and refreshing with sunshine and temperatures in the mid to upper 60s
Record-breaking heat blasted the tri-state area Thursday, with Central Park reaching a high of 91 degrees, just surpassing the previous record temperature for May 18 set 81 years ago (90).
LaGuardia, Newark, New Jersey, Bridgeport, Connecticut, also broke previous daily temperature records Thursday as a steamy patch of weather descended on the tri-state, prompting officials to issue an air quality health advisory for the entire metropolitan area.
Islip, New York tied its previous record of 89 degrees set back in 1977.
That kind of heat can lead to the formation of ground level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog, which is why New York state issued the air quality advisory. People, especially young children and those with respiratory illnesses like asthma, are advised to limit time outdoors Thursday afternoon.
The heat spell, while oppressive, will be short-lived, Storm Team 4 says. Friday’s temperatures will slide back into the mid-80s, with scattered thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and evening. Those storms aren’t expected to be severe and will push offshore quickly.
The weekend looks cool and refreshing with sunshine and temperatures in the mid to upper 60s, although rain is expected to return Sunday night into Monday.
