Many have been wondering if this summer has been much hotter than previous ones.

It has been unusually hot, but just how hot has it been?

It has been so hot that New York City has already seen as many 90-degree days as it typically does in an entire year.

There have been 15 days so far recorded at Central Park, where the high temperature hit at least 90 degrees. That number is typical for an entire calendar year - but not at all typical for just the first half of summer.

The summer of 2024 has also been much hotter than the last several summers. Through July 17, there are more 90-degree days this year than the last two years combined! There have also been three heat waves to-date, which is more than any of the last several years.

This hot streak is not just confined to New York City – everywhere across the tri-state area has seen 90-degree days more often than in any typical year. At Newark, New Jersey, there have already been a staggering 23 90-degree days, nearly the total amount typically seen in an entire year (25).

Even coastal areas that are typically much cooler because of a sea breeze have already seen several 90-degree days. At Islip, there have been four 90-degree days, well above the average. While the next couple of weeks will feature cooler temperatures in the 80s, there are plenty of indications that 90-degree heat will return before the end of July and carry into August. The heat, combined with the sweltering humidity, has caused dangerous outdoor conditions with feels-like temperatures in the triple digits. Unfortunately, more of these dangerous conditions can be expected through the rest of summer.

The News 12 Storm Watch Team is here to track any Heat Alert that could threaten our area.