Central Park Just Experienced Its Coldest May 22 in Over a Century
A rare spring Nor’easter has turned back the weather clock across the Northeast — and Central Park just broke a 130-year-old record because of it.
While Nor’easters are typically reserved for the depths of winter, this one swept into the region late in the season, delivering an unexpected chill that made May feel more like March.
❄️ Coldest High in History for May 22
On Thursday, Central Park recorded a high of just 51°F, setting a new record for the coldest high temperature on May 22 — smashing the previous record of 54°F set back in 1894, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). For context, normal highs this time of year in Central Park hover around 73°F, making this an especially stark drop.
And it wasn’t just Central Park feeling the freeze:
- Newark Liberty International (NJ): 53°F
- LaGuardia Airport (Queens, NY): 53°F
- MacArthur Airport (Islip, NY): 53°F
- JFK International (Queens, NY): 55°F (tied)
These sites all broke or tied their coldest recorded highs for the same date.
🌦️ What’s Causing the Chill?
The late-season Nor’easter didn’t bring snow — which is common with such storms in winter — but it did drag down temperatures significantly across the Northeast. The storm has begun to move out of the region, but temperatures are expected to stay cool through the weekend and into Memorial Day.
🌤️ What’s Next?
According to the NWS and AccuWeather, temperatures will gradually return to seasonal norms next week. However, rain showers may impact Memorial Day plans across parts of eastern New York. A long-range forecast suggests:
- Average to slightly above-average temps by month’s end
- Higher chances of rain across the state
🗣️ Expert Insight
“This kind of chilly weather in late May often hints at a cooler-than-normal summer,” NWS meteorologist Bill Goodman told Newsweek. While not guaranteed, it’s a pattern that meteorologists will be watching closely.
