New Jersey Braces for First 90-Degree Day in 7 Months

Latest forecast predicts record-breaking heat across the state this week.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gold, green, and blue, with a vast, dramatic sky dominating the scene and obscuring the details of the land below, conveying the sublime scale of the natural world.As New Jersey braces for record-breaking heat, the state's natural landscapes are dwarfed by the overwhelming power of the changing climate.Trenton Today

New Jersey is set to experience its first 90-degree day since September, with temperatures expected to climb well above normal this week. Highs on Wednesday and Thursday could break decades-old heat records in several cities, including Newark, Trenton, and Atlantic City. The warm weather could also speed up the blooming of flowers and trees across the state, though the mostly dry conditions are expected to worsen ongoing drought.

Why it matters

Extreme heat events can pose significant risks to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the early blooming of plants due to unseasonably warm weather can disrupt local ecosystems and agricultural cycles. The potential for record-breaking temperatures also highlights the broader impacts of climate change on regional weather patterns.

The details

Temperatures are forecast to reach the low to mid-80s across much of New Jersey on Tuesday, before climbing to the upper 80s and low 90s on Wednesday and Thursday. The Jersey Shore will be significantly cooler, with highs in the 70s. While a few stray showers or isolated thunderstorms are possible each afternoon, no significant rainfall is expected, which could further exacerbate drought conditions.

  • Highs on Tuesday will reach the low to mid-80s.
  • Temperatures are expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s.
  • The record highs for April 15 are: Newark airport - 88 degrees (set in 1960), Trenton airport - 87 degrees (set in 1994), and Atlantic City airport - 90 degrees (set in 1967).
  • The record highs for April 16 are: Newark airport - 92 degrees (set in 2002), Trenton airport - 91 degrees (set in 2012), and Atlantic City airport - 89 degrees (set in 2002).
  • Cooler weather is expected on Sunday, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.

The players

Matt Benz

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist.

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What they’re saying

“'The peak of the warmth in most places across the Northeast is on Wednesday afternoon. Even areas right along the water can expect temperatures well above the historic average for mid-April on Wednesday.'”

— Matt Benz, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist

The takeaway

This extreme heat event highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change, as New Jersey residents and officials must prepare for more frequent and intense weather patterns that can disrupt local ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. Proactive measures to address drought, protect vulnerable populations, and promote sustainable practices will be crucial in the years ahead.