When Do We Normally See Our First 90-Degree Day?

Recent years have shown summer-like heat arriving much earlier than expected.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gold, ochre, and pale blue, with a shimmering heat haze obscuring the distant horizon and dwarfing any small structures or objects in the foreground, conveying a sense of the overwhelming scale and power of nature.The arrival of summer-like heat often comes earlier than expected in Hampton Roads, a sign of the region's increasingly variable weather patterns.Norfolk Today

In Norfolk, the first 90-degree day of the year typically arrives around the second week of May, but recent years have seen summer-like heat arrive much earlier, with the first 90-degree day occurring as early as April in 2024 and 2025. This wide range highlights the variability in when extreme heat arrives, and historical records show that even April is not immune to extended hot spells.

Why it matters

The timing of the first 90-degree day is an important indicator of the arrival of summer weather patterns and can have significant impacts on everything from energy usage to outdoor activities. Understanding these trends can help communities better prepare for and adapt to the effects of a changing climate.

The details

In Norfolk, the long-term average for the first 90-degree day is around the second week of May. However, in recent years, this milestone has arrived much earlier, with the first 90-degree day occurring on April 6, 2025, and April 15, 2024. This is a noticeable shift compared to 2023, when the 90-degree mark wasn't reached until July 1. As summer progresses, 90-degree temperatures often become more frequent, with the longest streak on record in Norfolk dating back to 1995, when the city experienced 26 consecutive days of at least 90-degree heat.

  • The long-term average for the first 90-degree day in Norfolk is around the second week of May.
  • In 2025, the first 90-degree day occurred on April 6.
  • In 2024, the first 90-degree day occurred on April 15.
  • In 2023, the first 90-degree day didn't occur until July 1.

The players

Norfolk, Virginia

A city located in southeastern Virginia, known for its coastal climate and susceptibility to early-season heat waves.

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The takeaway

The wide range in when the first 90-degree day occurs in Norfolk highlights the increasing variability in summer weather patterns, with extreme heat arriving earlier in some years. This trend is an important indicator of the impacts of climate change and the need for communities to be prepared for more frequent and intense heat waves.