Philadelphia temperature tops 90 on an October day for first time in 78 years

The official temperature in Philadelphia on Wednesday surpassed 90 degrees, reaching a high that had not been seen on an October day since 1941.

The temperature reached 95 degrees at Philadelphia International Airport about 2:25 p.m., National Weather Service meteorologist Sarah Johnson said. That easily broke the record for the date of 87, set in 2002, and was 20 degrees above normal.

“It’s very rare for us to even get any temperature above 90 degrees in the month of October,” Johnson said.

The latest date on which a 90-degree reading has been recorded in Philadelphia was Oct. 10, which occurred in 1939.

There has been a lack of rain in the area because of a “stubborn” ridge across the East over the last two weeks, Johnson said, which has led to the buildup of heat.

Wednesday also became the 35th day this year that Philadelphia recorded a temperature of 90 degrees or more.

A cooldown will begin overnight, with the mercury expected to fall to 60 degrees by 8 a.m. Thursday.

Much-needed rain is likely Thursday, with the daytime high expected to be 67 degrees, more than 25 degrees cooler than Wednesday’s high.

» READ MORE: Record high comes after driest September in 12 years

After Thursday, there’s no precipitation in the forecast until Sunday night, when there’s a chance of showers. Daytime highs are expected to be around 70 Friday, 65 Saturday, and 75 Sunday.

Staff writer Madeleine Ngo contributed to this article.