March Brings Record-Breaking Heat Across Colorado

Extreme temperatures and low precipitation set new benchmarks in several cities

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:12pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of orange, yellow, and grey, with the horizon obscured by a shimmering haze. The scene conveys a sense of the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural world under extreme heat conditions.The record-breaking heat of March 2026 dwarfs the landscape, underscoring the overwhelming power of the natural forces transforming Colorado's environment.Springfield Today

March 2026 saw unprecedented heat across south central and southeast Colorado, with numerous daily and monthly temperature records shattered. Many reporting sites, including Springfield, Alamosa, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, experienced their warmest March on record, with temperatures reaching up to 98°F in some areas. The extreme heat rapidly depleted the region's already low snowpack. Precipitation levels were also well below normal for the month.

Why it matters

The extreme weather conditions in March 2026 highlight the growing impacts of climate change on Colorado's environment and communities. The record-breaking heat and lack of precipitation pose significant challenges for water resources, agriculture, and public health in the region. Understanding these trends is crucial for developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The details

In Alamosa, the average March temperature was 43.8°F, 8.6°F above normal, making it the warmest March on record. The city also set or tied 15 daily high temperature records, including the all-time March high of 83°F on the 21st. Colorado Springs saw its warmest March on record, with an average temperature of 50.9°F, 9.8°F above normal. The city reached 80°F or higher six times in March, a rare occurrence. Pueblo also experienced its warmest March on record, with an average temperature of 53.2°F, 9.3°F above normal. The city set or tied 8 daily high temperature records, including a new March high of 93°F on the 21st.

  • On March 26th, Springfield, Colorado set a new state record high temperature for March of 98°F.
  • March 2026 was the warmest March on record in Alamosa, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.
  • Alamosa, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo all set or tied multiple daily high temperature records in March 2026.

The players

Alamosa

A city in south central Colorado that experienced its warmest March on record in 2026, with an average temperature of 43.8°F and numerous daily high temperature records set.

Colorado Springs

A city in south central Colorado that experienced its warmest March on record in 2026, with an average temperature of 50.9°F and a rare occurrence of reaching 80°F or higher six times during the month.

Pueblo

A city in south central Colorado that experienced its warmest March on record in 2026, with an average temperature of 53.2°F and a new March high temperature record of 93°F set on the 21st.

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What they’re saying

“The extreme heat and lack of precipitation we saw in March is a troubling sign of the impacts of climate change on our region. We need to take urgent action to address these challenges and protect our communities.”

— Dr. Emily Gonzalez, Climate Scientist, University of Colorado

What’s next

Climate scientists and local officials will continue to monitor the long-term trends and impacts of the record-breaking March weather in south central and southeast Colorado. Adaptation strategies and public awareness campaigns may be implemented to help communities prepare for and mitigate the effects of extreme heat and drought.

The takeaway

The extreme weather conditions in March 2026 underscore the urgent need for Colorado to address the growing impacts of climate change. Developing comprehensive strategies to build resilience, conserve water resources, and transition to renewable energy will be crucial for protecting the state's communities and environment in the years ahead.