Scorching March Temperatures Foreshadow Worsening Climate Crisis

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March temperatures in the 90s across California, including the first-ever 90-degree day in San Francisco, have become a stark reminder that the state is losing ground in efforts to limit the harmful impacts of climate change. Experts warn that the unseasonably warm and dry weather could lead to an earlier and more severe wildfire season, putting lives, homes, and key local industries like wine at risk.

Why it matters

The extreme March heat is the latest sign that climate change is accelerating, with scientists warning that the Earth is approaching a 'tipping point' where the damage becomes irreversible. The Trump administration's rollback of environmental regulations and embrace of fossil fuels has only exacerbated the problem, putting California communities on the frontlines of the crisis.

The details

In Santa Rosa, the thermometer reached 92 degrees on the last day of winter, 9 degrees higher than the previous hottest March 19 on record. Napa recorded an 88-degree day, the hottest March 19 ever, while San Francisco hit 90 degrees for the first time in March. Parts of California experienced triple-digit temperatures that were 20 to 30 degrees above normal. Experts warn that the unseasonably warm and dry conditions could lead to an earlier and more severe wildfire season, putting lives, homes, and the state's vital wine industry at risk.

• On March 19, Santa Rosa hit 92 degrees, 9 degrees hotter than the previous record.
• On March 19, Napa reached 88 degrees, the hottest March 19 on record.
• For the first time ever, San Francisco recorded a 90-degree temperature in March.

What’s next

Experts recommend that residents in fire-prone areas of California start preparing early this year, by assembling go-bags, learning evacuation routes, and taking other precautions in anticipation of an earlier and more severe wildfire season.