West Braces for Scorching Summer After March Heat Wave

UCLA experts warn of increased risk of severe heat waves and long-term climate interventions.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:23am

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A record-breaking heat wave swept across the West in March, and the combination of climate change and a potential El Niño weather pattern have experts concerned about an even hotter summer ahead. UCLA climate scientists are sounding the alarm on the heightened risk of lengthier and more severe heat waves, as well as the possibility of needing drastic climate interventions like injecting sulfur into the atmosphere.

Why it matters

The West has already been grappling with the effects of climate change, including more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, and wildfires. This latest heat wave is a stark reminder that the region is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, with potentially devastating impacts on public health, agriculture, and the environment if the trend continues.

The details

The March heat wave saw temperatures soar well above average across the West, with some areas breaking all-time records for the month. Climate scientist Alex Hall, a professor at UCLA, says that while El Niño conditions can exacerbate heat, the ongoing climate crisis is the primary driver behind the region's warming temperatures. Hall warns that the West may need to consider extreme climate interventions, such as injecting sulfur into the atmosphere, to help mitigate the effects of future heat waves.

  • The March heat wave set new temperature records across the West.
  • Experts are concerned that the combination of climate change and a potential El Niño could lead to an even hotter summer in 2026.

The players

Alex Hall

A climate scientist, professor, and director of the Sustainable LA Grand Challenge and Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA.

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What they’re saying

“El Niño conditions exacerbate heat, but the ongoing climate crisis brings more than enough trouble on its own.”

— Alex Hall, Climate Scientist and Professor

What’s next

Experts will continue to monitor weather patterns and climate data to assess the likelihood and potential severity of a scorching summer in the West.

The takeaway

The March heat wave is a stark reminder that the West is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, with the region facing the increased risk of more frequent and intense heat waves that could have devastating impacts on public health, agriculture, and the environment.