Record-challenging heat to surge into northeastern US this week

Sunshine and 90-degree Fahrenheit heat will overtake the northeastern U.S. into late week, following cool and dreary weather for much of May so far.

The temperature surge reached much of the Midwest during Sunday and Monday.

People from the mid-Atlantic to New England will bask in the warmth into Friday.

Temperatures will climb well into the 80s as far north as northern Maine, while many of the major cities from Boston to New York City, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit will approach 90 degrees Fahrenheit on one or more days this week.

People will be able to turn off their heat. Air conditioners and fans will hum with activity. The weather will give a boost to warm season sports activities. With the surge in warmth, insect pests such as ants, termites and ticks will be active.

"Manhattan, New York, had a high of 87 on April 16, but the warmth was a only a false start," according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams. "This week, temperatures are likely to surpass the 87-degree mark, which was the highest temperature of the year so far."

Following AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s into Tuesday morning, some people in the Northeast will go from shivering with long sleeves and jackets to perspiring in shorts and short sleeves.

Cities such as Philadelphia; Baltimore; Washington, D.C.; Charleston, West Virginia; and Richmond, Virginia; will reach or exceed 90. New York City and Boston could reach 90.

At this level, daily record highs will be challenged on one or more days. Some records that could fall date back to the early 1900s and even the late 1800s.

RealFeel temperatures will soar well into the 90s for a few hours in the urban areas of the major cities.

Because of the prevailing cool conditions over the past couple of weeks, people exercising or partaking in strenuous physical labor should use caution during the sudden heat.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and take some breaks.

Temperatures along some of the south-facing beaches will be 10 to 15 degrees lower than areas along much of the Interstate-95 corridor.

People considering a jump in the lake or ocean are urged to use extreme caution. Ocean water temperatures are still dangerously low this time of the year and range from the 40s along much of the New England coastline to the 50s along much of the mid-Atlantic coastline.

The summerlike pattern in store for much of this week will not mark a long-lasting end to cool conditions for the month.

"Cooler air will settle back across the region this weekend and into early next week," Abrams said.

However, temperatures are not likely to dip as low as that of the past couple of weekends. In most areas, highs will only be trimmed back to the 60s and 70s.

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