Arizona Town Shatters All-Time US March Heat Record

Temperatures in Martinez Lake hit 110°F, the hottest March day ever recorded in the United States.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:54pm

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Meteorologists reported that the community of Martinez Lake, Arizona set a new all-time U.S. record for March heat on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 110°F. This shattered the previous March record of 105°F set in 1902 in Rio Grande, Texas. The extreme heat is part of a broader heatwave impacting the western U.S., with numerous daily and monthly temperature records being broken across the region.

Why it matters

The record-breaking heat in Martinez Lake highlights the growing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events driven by climate change. Meteorologists warn that these types of heatwaves are becoming more common and severe, posing serious risks to public health and safety, especially for vulnerable populations.

The details

On Thursday, temperatures in Martinez Lake, Arizona reached 110°F, setting a new all-time U.S. record for the hottest March day on record. The previous record was 105°F, set in 1902 in Rio Grande, Texas. Meteorologists noted that the average first 105°F day of the year in the region normally occurs on May 22, making this March heatwave highly unusual. The extreme heat is part of a broader pattern of record-breaking temperatures across the western U.S. this week, with numerous daily and monthly records being shattered in states like Nevada, California, and Arizona.

  • On Thursday, March 21, 2026, temperatures in Martinez Lake, Arizona reached 110°F.
  • The previous U.S. record for the hottest March day was 105°F, set in 1902 in Rio Grande, Texas.

The players

Colin Gross

A meteorologist who reported on the historic heat in the Desert Southwest.

National Weather Service Phoenix

The local forecast office that issued a statement about the record-breaking temperatures in the region.

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What they’re saying

“Historic heat in the Desert Southwest. It reached 110°F today near Martinez Lake, Arizona which is the hottest March temperature ever recorded in the United States!”

— Colin Gross, Meteorologist

“For some perspective, the average first 105° day of the year normally occurs on May 22.”

— National Weather Service Phoenix

What’s next

Meteorologists warn that the extreme heatwave is expected to continue across the western and central U.S. over the next several days, with temperature departures of 25 to 35 degrees above normal in many areas. Excessive heat warnings remain in effect, and officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe.

The takeaway

The record-breaking heat in Martinez Lake, Arizona is a stark reminder of the growing threat of climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. As these heatwaves become more common, it is crucial that communities take proactive steps to protect vulnerable populations and prepare for the impacts of a warming planet.