June was NJ's second warmest in 129 years. Will summer heat break records?

It's probably no surprise to New Jerseyans who spent last month sweating it out at graduation ceremonies or wading into the still-icy waters of the Jersey Shore for relief, but June was incredibly hot.

In fact, it was New Jersey's second warmest June in 129 years of record keeping, according to a report released this week by David Robinson, the state climatologist.

"Above-average temperatures ruled in June," Robinson wrote. "So, what else is new?"

He was referring to the fact that six of the 11 warmest Junes in New Jersey have occurred since 2005, mimicking a global trend.

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The majority of scientists, peer-reviewed studies and government agencies have shown that the planet is warming due in large part to human activity. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and gasoline has increased the concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, preventing heat from escaping into space.

June was not an anomaly for 2024. The first half of 2024 was the second warmest January through June period in New Jersey since 1895. The 51.4-degree average was 3.1 degrees above normal, according to Robinson.

Will the rest of summer be as hot?

Long-range forecasts released in the spring called for a warmer-than-usual summer for New Jersey and much of the Northeast due to cooler-than-usual water in the Pacific Ocean that produces a weather pattern called La Nina. It tends to bring warmer weather to the region, and so far, that appears to be the case.

July has begun with a heat wave that is expected to last through Wednesday night with the heat index between 95 and 100 degrees.

While temperatures are supposed to drop later this week, it won't be by much. And it won't last for long. Highs in the mid-90s are forecast for North Jersey early next week.

More:NJ had poor air quality, orange skies last June. Will wildfire smoke return in 2024?

More:How hot was 2023? This new report charts the temperatures

Mid to late July often brings the warmest weather in the New York metropolitan region. But that doesn't always guarantee heat for the remainder of the summer.

Years and even months can vary widely. Last July was the 10th warmest on record, but temperatures in August 2023 were below normal. July 2022 produced record heat that kept going through August with a statewide average of 77.4 degrees — the hottest August recorded in New Jersey.

Top 10 warmest Junes in New Jersey

• 2010: 73.9 degrees
• 2024: 73.6
• 1943: 73.6
• 2008: 73
• 1925: 73
• 1994: 72.2
• 2005 72.1
• 1957: 72
• 2011: 71.9
• 2021: 71.8
• 1934: 71.8
• Source: Office of the State Climatologist