This 90-degree spring scorcher just broke a record in NJ

It’s sunny. It’s hot. And now this beautiful summer-like day in early May is one for the record books.

Early Wednesday afternoon, the temperature at Atlantic City International Airport soared to 90 degrees, breaking the area’s previous record high for May 2 by two degrees, according to climate data from the National Weather Service.

The old record of 88 degrees was set in 2010.

Our unseasonable blast of hot air, which is being pushed into our region from the Southwest, has also pushed the thermometer to the 90-degree mark in other places across New Jersey, including Egg Harbor Township in Atlantic County, Hamilton Township in Mercer County, Newark in Essex County and Toms River in Ocean County.

Among the towns that have reached 89 degrees as of 3 p.m. Wednesday are Belmar, Cherry Hill, Hillsborough, Holmdel, Howell, Newark, Oceanport, Pennsauken, Sicklerville, Vineland, Walpack and Wayne, according to data from the New Jersey Weather & Climate Network, based at Rutgers University.

The 90-degree temperature reading at Newark Liberty International Airport is only two degrees short of the airport’s record high for May 2. Trenton’s temperature was last reported at 87 degrees, which is just one degree shy of the city’s daily record.

In New York City, the mercury in Central Park reached 90 degrees Wednesday afternoon, tying the city’s record high for May 2, said Jay Engle, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Upton, N.Y.  

Forecasters say readings close to record territory are likely again on Thursday, as the heat spell continues. However, humidity levels are expected to climb during the next two days, with a chance of thunderstorms added into the mix on Thursday and Friday.

Wednesday has been unusually dry, which feels good for people venturing outside but poses a threat of wildfires spreading rapidly. Because the ground and brush have been so dry and winds have been gusty, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning in all 21 counties, effective through 9 p.m. Wednesday.

In addition, an air quality alert is in effect throughout the Garden State through 11 p.m. Wednesday. 

The National Weather Service and the state Department of Environmental Protection say the air quality could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as young children, elderly adults and people with respiratory problems.

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality or like him on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.