April 15 was a day for the record books in terms of high temperatures in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The officially recorded high temperature for Reading on Wednesday was 89 degrees, breaking the record of 86 set in 1941 and 1994. In Philadelphia, it climbed to 91, breaking the record of 88 set in 1941. Trenton’s 88 degrees broke the record of 87 set in 1994. In Allentown the 86 degrees recorded tied the record set in 1941 and 1994, according to National Weather Service records.
Other records set yesterday include Pottstown and Norristown at 87.
“Record-breaking warmth continues through today, with above-normal temperatures into the first half of the weekend,” the NWS forecast discussion stated Thursday morning. “Highs today will be similar to Wednesday`s, in the mid 80s to low 90s.”
Records for April 16 include: 90 in Allentown and Reading, and 91 in Trenton, all set in 2012; and 90 in Philadelphia, set in 2002.
The forecasters noted an elevated fire risk for Thursday.
“A period of fire weather conditions supportive of fire spread is forecast today, as very warm and dry conditions continue.”
Also noted were southwest winds around 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon.
Above-normal temperatures are predicted to continue Friday and a chance of rain moves in Saturday, along with drastically cooler temperatures for Sunday.
The National Weather Service Mount Holly office three-day forecast for April 16 through April 18, 2026 released Thursday morning. (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
NWS extended forecast
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Tonight: A slight chance of showers between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday: A slight chance of showers after 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Saturday night: Showers likely, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday: Showers likely, mainly before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday night: A chance of showers before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 30%.