Allentown, PA – A rare late-April cold snap sent temperatures plunging into record territory across parts of eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey early Monday morning, with both Allentown and Trenton reporting historic lows.
According to the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, Allentown dropped to 24 degrees Tuesday morning, breaking the previous April 21 record of 28 degrees set in multiple years. The same location also tied its April 20 record low of 29 degrees, matching a mark that dates back to 1961.
In Trenton, temperatures fell to 27 degrees Tuesday morning, setting a new record for April 21 and surpassing the previous record of 30 degrees set in 1925 and 1907. However, Trenton did not set a record the previous day, with a low of 31 degrees remaining above the April 20 record of 27 degrees.
Other regional observations showed widespread unseasonably cold conditions, with readings dipping into the upper 20s and low 30s across much of the Mid-Atlantic. Cities like Reading and Georgetown also saw lows near or below freezing, though not all locations broke records.
The sudden chill comes as many residents had already transitioned to spring routines, raising concerns about potential impacts to early-season crops, outdoor plants, and sensitive vegetation. Frost advisories were in effect across parts of the region during the overnight hours.
Forecasters expect temperatures to gradually rebound later this week, though the unusual cold serves as a reminder that winter-like conditions can still occur well into April.
