March 2026 Shatters US Temperature Records

Climate change fuels extreme heat across the West and Southwest, with 10 states seeing their warmest March on record.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:22pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of ochre, amber, and hazy blue, capturing the overwhelming scale and oppressive heat of the American West under a shimmering, hazy horizon.As climate change intensifies, the American West faces the growing threat of extreme heat waves that strain water resources and heighten wildfire risk.Phoenix Today

March 2026 was a historic month for temperatures in the United States, with the country experiencing its hottest March on record by a wide margin. Daily record highs were widespread, especially in the Southwest, where some locations saw over 12 record-setting days. Around one-third of the population, 130 million Americans, saw their single-warmest March day on record. Several major cities in the West and Southern Plains also experienced their warmest March on record, many of them by a wide margin.

Why it matters

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, causing seasonal shifts with milder, shorter winters and earlier spring warmth. The prolonged heat wave has had dramatic impacts on seasonal snowpack and water resources, heightening concerns about water availability across the region.

The details

The heat wave shattered previous March temperature records, with 10 states - Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming - recording their warmest March on record. Several major cities, including Dallas, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles, also experienced their warmest March on record. Phoenix, Arizona, saw nine 100°F or greater days in March, a stark contrast to the city's typical March weather.

  • March 2026 was the hottest March on record for the United States.
  • The heat wave began in early March and persisted throughout the month.

The players

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The federal agency that released the report on the record-breaking March temperatures.

Bureau of Reclamation

The federal agency that manages water resources in the western United States, including the Colorado River Basin, which is facing mounting challenges due to the reduced snowpack and drought conditions.

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What’s next

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center says there is an increased likelihood of near- to above-average precipitation across a large portion of the country, including much of the West, Midwest and South, over the next two weeks. However, near- to below-average precipitation is more likely along the East Coast, and the outlook indicates an increased probability of above-average temperatures across much of the nation, with the highest chances along the East Coast and in the South.

The takeaway

The record-breaking March heat wave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, with extreme heat events becoming more frequent and intense. The strain on water resources and the heightened wildfire risk across the western United States underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of climate change and implement strategies to build resilience in vulnerable communities.