Bay Area Sizzles as Unseasonable Warmth Grips the West

Rare winter heat wave brings record-breaking temperatures to San Francisco and beyond

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:18am by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A rare winter heat wave is sweeping across the U.S. West, bringing unusually high temperatures and threatening records from California to the desert Southwest. In San Francisco, where fog and cool summers are the norm, residents shed layers and flocked to Crissy Field as the city experiences its hottest March in at least two decades.

Why it matters

This unseasonable warmth is highly unusual for the San Francisco Bay Area, which typically experiences cool, foggy weather even in the summer months. The heat wave is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events driven by climate change, raising concerns about the region's ability to adapt to a changing climate.

The details

Photos show San Franciscans enjoying the unexpected warmth, with many people visiting Crissy Field and other outdoor spaces to take advantage of the sunny, summer-like conditions. Temperatures in the city reached the mid-80s Fahrenheit, shattering previous March records.

  • The heat wave began on March 15, 2026 and is expected to continue through the end of the month.

The players

San Francisco

A coastal city in Northern California known for its cool, foggy summers, which are experiencing unusually warm temperatures during this winter heat wave.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation and warn that the heat wave could continue to break records in the coming days, raising concerns about the strain on the region's power grid and the potential for wildfires.

The takeaway

This winter heat wave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe. The San Francisco Bay Area, known for its temperate climate, is not immune to these changes, and the community will need to adapt to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.