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 11:22pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted earth tones and dramatic lighting, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of extreme heat conditions in the American West.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.

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.

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

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

This record-breaking heat wave highlights the growing threat of climate change and its impact on water resources and seasonal patterns across the American West and Southwest. As extreme heat events become more frequent and intense, communities will need to adapt and prepare for the challenges ahead.