After enduring days of scorching heat, the East Coast of the nation experienced a welcomed reprieve on Friday as temperatures dropped by as much as 40 degrees and humidity levels decreased. A cold front from the north finally broke the grip of a heat dome that had been causing record highs and triple-digit temperatures from Sunday through Wednesday.
Boston, which had hit a record 102 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, saw temperatures drop to 61 degrees on Friday. While the cool spell brought relief, it did not break any cold temperature records. The only possibility of a record low was at a small station in Philadelphia, but meteorologists did not consider it representative of the area.
Climate Central’s chief meteorologist highlighted the unusual weather pattern, attributing it to human-caused climate change. She noted that the frequency of record high temperatures is significantly higher than record low temperatures, reflecting the impact of fossil fuel emissions on our climate.
While the temporary cooling in the East was a welcome break, meteorologists predict that above-normal temperatures will return soon. The shifting weather patterns, from extreme heat to cool spells and back, are indicative of climate change affecting the jet stream and causing more erratic weather events.
When the jet stream becomes stuck, it can lead to extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, or heavy rainfall. Once the jet stream shifts, it may bring about a different set of extreme weather conditions. This information was provided by Isabella O’Malley from Philadelphia. The Associated Press receives funding from various private foundations to support its climate and environmental reporting. The AP is accountable for the accuracy and integrity of all its content. To learn more about AP’s guidelines for collaboration with philanthropic organizations and to view a list of supporters and coverage areas, visit AP.org.
