March 2026 Shatters US Temperature Records

Extreme heat wave and drought conditions impact much of the country

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:30am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted earth tones, with a vast, hazy horizon and dramatic lighting casting long shadows, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of extreme weather conditions.The relentless heat wave and drought conditions across the American West underscore the growing threat of climate change.Phoenix Today

March 2026 was the warmest March on record for the United States, with temperatures exceeding the long-term average by more than 9 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. The heat wave and persistent dry conditions have led to worsening drought, increased wildfire risk, and concerns over water supplies in the western states.

Why it matters

This historic heat wave and drought are clear signs of the impacts of human-caused climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The effects are being felt across the country, from water shortages in the West to heightened wildfire risk. Understanding these trends is crucial for communities to prepare and adapt to the changing climate.

The details

March 2026 shattered the previous March record set in 2012, marking the first time any month has exceeded the long-term average by more than 9 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. Ten states recorded their warmest March on record, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Several major cities in the West and Southern Plains also experienced their warmest March on record, many by a wide margin.

  • March 2026 was the warmest March on record for the United States.
  • Phoenix, Arizona experienced nine 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater days in March, previously the city had only experienced one triple-digit day in March since records began in 1895.

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 drought.

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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, the outlook also 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 historic heat wave and drought are clear signs of the impacts of human-caused climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The effects are being felt across the country, from water shortages in the West to heightened wildfire risk, underscoring the urgent need for communities to prepare and adapt to the changing climate.