Isolated storms developed along a prefrontal trough by mid day on May 20. Later in the afternoon, a broader multicellular cluster of storms associated with the slow moving cold front moved into the region.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS PHI wrote it up.
Isolated storms developed along a prefrontal trough by mid day on May 20. Later in the afternoon, a broader multicellular cluster of storms associated with the slow moving cold front moved into the region.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 20, 1:40 PM EST, 3 hours 10 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
240 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued until 9 PM for our entire
area.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
1. Hot and humid with record setting early season heat will end
by this evening.
2. Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 9 PM this evening
for our entire area.
3. Significantly cooler temperatures and several rounds of
showers for the end of this week and the holiday weekend.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...Hot and humid with record setting early season
heat will end by this evening.
A strong cold front will arrive this evening which will end
this stretch of hot conditions and record heat. Temperatures in
the 90s for many areas again this afternoon, except cooler along
the coasts and the higher terrain. While the surface dew points
have mixed out some this afternoon with significant heating of
the boundary layer, this stretch of early season heat will still
have potentially greater impacts. Peak heat indices of 95-100
degrees this afternoon, however as more clouds develop and
convection starts to arrive from the west and southwest by early
evening, areas of significant cooling will start to take place.
The Heat Advisory continues for now through 8 PM this evening
although we might be able to cancel it early depending how quick
and widespread the cooling is due to showers and thunderstorms.
KEY MESSAGE 2...Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 9 PM this
evening for our entire area.
A strong cold front will settle across our area late this
afternoon and this evening before stalling near Delmarva into
Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected ahead of and
with the front. Instability continues to increase with MLCAPE
values of 1000-1500 J/kg and SBCAPE of 1500-2500 J/kg. This will
help to intensify some of the convection as it arrives from the
west. The deep-layer shear is on the marginal side though
(strongest shear to our northwest) as are the mid level lapse
rates, however a hot well-mixed boundary layer is resulting in
rather steep low-level lapse rates (DCAPE values up to 1300
J/kg!). The combination of the steep low-level lapse rates and
any stronger/organized convective cores should locally enhance
the damaging wind (downburst) threat.
Despite the lower shear, convection should still organize some
given ample instability and the hot air mass in place. Some
clustering may tend to occur with some guidance also hinting at
some bowing segments. The primary severe weather threat from
thunderstorms should be damaging downburst winds given the low-
level inverted-V profile in the model soundings. These soundings
also show that cloud tops could extend upwards of 40,000 feet
therefore some hail is possible. Much of our region is within a
level 2 out of 5 from SPC (Slight Risk) for severe
thunderstorms. The main timeframe looks to be between 4 PM to 9
PM. General rainfall totals are 0.10-0.50 inches, however given
precipitable water values of 1.5-2.0 inches, localized higher
amounts are likely with any stronger showers or thunderstorms.
Any thunderstorms should end by late this evening, with some
showers lingering in the wake of the cold front. It will turn
noticeably cooler tonight as the winds becoming northerly.
KEY MESSAGE 3...Significantly cooler temperatures and several
rounds of showers for the end of this week and the holiday
weekend.
A cold front will settle and stall to our south as we get into
the holiday weekend. Some ripples of energy ride along and north
of it and this looks to bring some rounds of showers to our
region. A more organized surface low well to our west may
provide an increase in showers or a period of rain later Friday
and Saturday. The precipitation may become enhanced some as
surface high pressure to our northeast wedges southwestward into
our area creating some cool air damming. Furthermore, with PWAT
values around 1.50-1.90 inches over the weekend, which is
around the climatological maximum for this time of the year,
there is at least a marginal chance for excessive rainfall on
Saturday. We will be keeping an eye on how strong the baroclinic
forcing gets along the stalled boundary wedged between the high
to the northeast and the low to the west. Northeast flow along
with several rounds of showers will all result in much cooler
temperatures Thursday through Saturday, then some warming should
take place Sunday and into Memorial Day. The pattern looks
active though and therefore some additional showers are quite
possible right into Memorial Day. While not great timing for the
holiday weekend and unofficial start of summer, our region
needs rain as a long-term drought continues.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
The following discussion is for KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG,
KILG, KMIV, KACY and surrounding areas.
This afternoon...VFR overall with increasing clouds. Some
showers and thunderstorms arrive from the west between 19-22z
with areas of sub-VFR conditions. Locally gusty winds, 30-40
knots, with any stronger thunderstorms. Winds varying from west-
northwest to west-southwest 8-15 knots with some gusts to 20
knots. Low confidence on the timing details.
Tonight...A period of MVFR/IFR conditions with showers and
thunderstorms this evening, then some lingering showers may also
contribute to sub-VFR conditions overnight. Northwest winds
becoming north-northeast mainly 10 knots or less. Low
confidence.
Thursday...A period of sub-VFR conditions with some showers.
Northeast winds 8-12 knots, with some local gusts to 20 knots
especially at KACY. Low confidence.
Outlook...
Thursday Night through Monday...An unsettled pattern takes over
with periods of MVFR/IFR conditions expected with several
rounds of rain showers. Most widespread restrictions look to
come Saturday and Saturday Night though the entire period likely
will feature showers and low clouds with perhaps sporadic
stretches of VFR if ceilings lift a bit.
&&
.MARINE...
Southerly winds to 20 knots this afternoon will diminish this
evening and becoming west and northwest, then north to northeast
on Thursday. The northeast flow increases during Thursday and
with a much cooler air mass moving in the mixing should become
more efficient over the chilly ocean water. Seas will also build
during Thursday. Opted to issue a Small Craft Advisory for
Thursday afternoon for all waters except for the waters off
Monmouth County and the upper Delaware Bay. Some thunderstorms
could be strong enough this evening to warrant the issuance of
Special Marine Warnings.
Outlook...
Thursday Night through Friday...A Small Craft Advisory is in effect
for ocean zones south of Manasquan Inlet and the lower Delaware Bay
as periods of 25-30 kt winds and seas nearing 5 feet are expected.
Sub-SCA conditions expected on the upper Delaware Bay and coastal
waters north of Manasquan Inlet.
Friday Night through Monday...SCA conditions expected with seas of 4
to 7 feet and periods of 25-30 kt winds, mainly on Saturday.
Rip Currents...
On Thursday, east to northeast winds will ramp up to 15 to 20
mph with gusts up to 25 mph. There will be a southeast swell
with a period around 6 seconds and breaking waves of 1 to 3
feet. As a result, there is a MODERATE risk for the development
of dangerous rip currents for the Jersey Shore and for Delaware
Beaches.
On Friday, east to northeast winds will range from 15 to 20 mph
with 25 to 30 mph gusts. There will be a southeast swell with a
period of 10 to 13 seconds and breaking waves of 2 to 4 feet.
This should result in a HIGH risk for the development of
dangerous and lift threatening rip currents.
Although temperatures inland will mostly be in the 60s or so
Thursday through Saturday, and even in the 50s well inland on
Saturday, ocean temperatures will remain in the 50s. These cold
water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia and physical
incapacitation to anyone suddenly immersed in the water.
For specific beach forecasts, visit weather.gov/beach/phi
&&
.CLIMATE...
More record breaking temperatures are possible today.
Records for our climate sites are listed below:
Monthly Record High Temperatures for May
Site Record/Date
Allentown (ABE) 97/May 19, 1962
AC Airport (ACY) 99/May 29, 1969
AC Marina (55N) 95/May 31, 1895 & May 23, 1925
Georgetown (GED) 98/May 28, 1991
Mount Pocono (MPO) 94/May 22, 1911
Philadelphia (PHL) 98/May 19, 2026 (new)
Reading (RDG) 97/May 20, 1996 & May 19, 2026
Trenton (TTN) 99/May 23, 1911 & May 31, 1986
Wilmington (ILG) 98/May 10, 1895 & May 30, 1895
Monthly Record Warmest Low Temperatures for May
Site Record/Date
Allentown (ABE) 71/May 31, 1975, May 28 & 31, 1991
AC Airport (ACY) 73/May 24, 2004 & May 19, 2017
AC Marina (55N) 73/May 30 & 31, 1987, & May 31, 1991
Georgetown (GED) 74/May 23, 1953 & May 20, 2019
Mount Pocono (MPO) 68/May 21, 1996
Philadelphia (PHL) 78/May 31, 1895
Reading (RDG) 72/May 28 & 31, 1939, May 31, 1991, & May 19, 2026
Trenton (TTN) 75/May 31, 1895
Wilmington (ILG) 75/May 30, 1895
Record High Temperatures
May 20
Site Record/Year
Allentown (ABE) 92/1962 & 1996
AC Airport (ACY) 96/1996
AC Marina (55N) 93/1996
Georgetown (GED) 95/1962
Mount Pocono (MPO) 89/1996
Philadelphia (PHL) 94/1962 & 1996
Reading (RDG) 97/1996
Trenton (TTN) 94/1996
Wilmington (ILG) 96/1996
Record Warmest Low Temperatures
May 20
Site Record/Year
Allentown (ABE) 66/2019
AC Airport (ACY) 68/1996(ties)
AC Marina (55N) 69/1996
Georgetown (GED) 74/2019
Mount Pocono (MPO) 61/1959
Philadelphia (PHL) 71/2019
Reading (RDG) 69/1959 & 1996
Trenton (TTN) 68/1903, 1959, & 1962
Wilmington (ILG) 70/2019
&&
.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for PAZ060>062-070-
071-101>106.
NJ...Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for NJZ007>010-012-
013-015-017>020-027.
DE...Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for DEZ001.
MD...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 2 PM Thursday to 6 PM EDT Friday for
ANZ431-451>455.
&&
DISCUSSION...Gorse/Hoeflich
AVIATION...Gorse/Hoeflich
MARINE...Gorse/Hoeflich/MPSHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 506 AM EDT Wed May 20 2026 MDZ012-015-019-020-210915- Kent MD-Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline- 506 AM EDT Wed May 20 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. MJL
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
456 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0448 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Pottstown 40.25N 75.65W
05/20/2026 Montgomery PA Trained Spotter
Picture sent in via social media of multiple
trees down. Time estimated from radar.
&&
HoeflichPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
507 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0430 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Birdsboro 40.27N 75.82W
05/20/2026 Berks PA Fire Dept/Rescue
Trees down on wires. Time estimated from
radar.
&&
HoeflichPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
508 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0447 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 SE Douglass Twp 40.30N 75.66W
05/20/2026 Berks PA Fire Dept/Rescue
Wires down along Sunset Drive. Time
estimated from radar.
&&
HoeflichPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
528 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0503 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 ENE New Hanover Twp 40.31N 75.56W
05/20/2026 Montgomery PA Trained Spotter
Widespread trees and wires down in New
Hanover Township, PA. Time estimated from
radar.
&&
HoeflichPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
543 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0459 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 ESE Lower Pottsgrove 40.23N 75.53W
05/20/2026 Montgomery PA Trained Spotter
Trees down around Limerick, PA. Time
estimated from radar.
&&
HoeflichPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
550 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0516 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 NNW Devault 40.10N 75.54W
05/20/2026 Chester PA Dept of Highways
Downed tree on BRIDGE ST / CHARLESTOWN RD
southbound between SWISS LN and HOLLOW RD.
There is a traffic disruption. Time
estimated from radar.
&&
HoeflichThe Philadelphia radar (KDIX), 53 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:48 UTC.
17 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Two trees were blown down by a strong wind gust ahead of the rain starting.
Several trees and wires were blown down in and near Hopewell.
Wires were blown down in Hainesport along Marne Highway, likely due to the outflow boundary.
Several wires blown down in Bordentown and Chesterfield.
Wires were blown down along Taunton Road and Himmelein Road in Medford, likely due to the outflow boundary.
A large tree limb was blown down.
Measured from a weather station mounted on a dock.
Several large tree limbs and some trees were blown down in Edison and Metuchen.
Multiple large limbs were blown down.
Wires were blown down and some telephone poles were snapped on Plum Lane in Holmdel.
There was a swath of trees and wires blown down in Middletown Township.
Several trees and wires were blown down in Neptune. Some of the trees were blown into houses.
Several trees and wires were blown down in West Long Branch.
Several large poles blown down on Seacrest Rd.
Large tree was blown down, blocking a road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Jersey in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in New Jersey, May 2026
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1342678, 1342679, 1342680, 1342681, 1342683, 1342684, 1342697, 1342698, 1342686, 1342687, 1342688, 1342700, 1342691, 1342692, 1342693, 1342695, 1342696.