March Sets Record as Hottest Month for Continental US

Federal meteorologists say abnormal heat smashed previous records

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of orange, yellow, and grey, capturing the overwhelming scale and intensity of a severe heat wave enveloping the horizon, with only a faint silhouette of a distant structure visible.As climate change intensifies, record-breaking heat waves and extreme weather events threaten communities across the United States.Washington Today

According to federal weather data, March 2026 was the hottest March on record for the continental United States, with the average temperature 9.35°F above the 20th century normal. This easily surpassed the previous record set in March 2012, and six of the nation's top 10 most abnormally hot months have occurred in the last 10 years. Meteorologists warn that a brewing 'super' El Niño could push global temperatures to new record levels in late 2026 and into 2027.

Why it matters

The extreme and persistent heat in March, combined with record-breaking dry conditions, raises serious concerns about water availability, agriculture, and other climate-sensitive sectors. Meteorologists say this is a clear sign that climate change is having a major impact, with more extreme weather events likely on the horizon.

The details

March's average temperature of 50.85°F was 9.35°F above the 20th century normal, easily surpassing the previous record of 8.9°F set in March 2012. The average maximum temperature for March was 11.4°F above the 20th century average and was almost a degree warmer than the average daytime high for April. More than 19,800 daily temperature records were broken for heat across the country, and over 2,000 places set monthly records for heat - more than entire decades in the past.

  • March 2026 was the hottest March on record for the continental US.
  • April 2025 to March 2026 was the warmest 12-month period on record in the continental United States.
  • On March 20 and 21, about one-third of the nation felt unseasonable heat that would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.

The players

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The federal agency that released the weather data showing March 2026 as the hottest March on record for the continental United States.

Shel Winkley

A meteorologist with Climate Central, a nonprofit science research group, who said 'What we experienced in March across the United States was unprecedented.'

Guy Walton

A meteorologist who analyzed NOAA data and found that more than 19,800 daily temperature records were broken for heat across the country, and more than 2,000 places set monthly records for heat.

Jeff Masters

A meteorologist with Yale Climate Connections, who said the record-breaking heat and dryness 'tells us that climate change is kicking our butts.'

Victor Gensini

A meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University, who said a strong El Niño 'could plausibly push global temperatures to new record levels in late 2026 and into 2027.'

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What they’re saying

“'What we experienced in March across the United States was unprecedented.'”

— Shel Winkley, Meteorologist, Climate Central

“'One reason that's so concerning is just the sheer volume of records, all-time records that were set and broken during that time period.'”

— Shel Winkley, Meteorologist, Climate Central

“'tells us that climate change is kicking our butts.'”

— Jeff Masters, Meteorologist, Yale Climate Connections

“'A strong El Niño could plausibly push global temperatures to new record levels in late 2026 and into 2027.'”

— Victor Gensini, Meteorology Professor, Northern Illinois University

“'Global warming is supercharging El Niños and the atmospheric warming they drive.'”

— Jonathan Overpeck, Dean, University of Michigan Environment School and Climate Scientist

What’s next

Meteorologists are closely monitoring the development of a potentially 'super' strong El Niño that is expected to form in the coming months and intensify through the winter. If this forecast holds true, it could push global temperatures to new record levels in late 2026 and into 2027, further exacerbating the impacts of climate change.

The takeaway

The record-breaking heat and dryness experienced across the continental US in March 2026 serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating effects of climate change. With a potentially 'super' El Niño on the horizon, the coming years could see even more extreme weather events and temperature records shattered, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the climate crisis.