March Sets Record as Hottest Month on Record for Continental US

Federal meteorologists say March's persistent heat was the most abnormal in 132 years of data.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:26pm

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A vast, hazy landscape painting depicting a sweeping horizon under a blazing sun, conveying the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural world in the face of extreme weather conditions.The relentless heat of March 2026 underscores the growing threat of climate change, as extreme weather patterns continue to shatter records 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 an average temperature 9.35°F (5.19°C) above the 20th century normal. This easily surpassed the previous record set in March 2012, making March 2026 the most abnormally hot month on record for the Lower 48 states regardless of the time of year.

Why it matters

The extreme heat in March is a concerning sign of the ongoing effects of climate change, with six of the nation's top 10 most abnormally hot months occurring in the last 10 years. Meteorologists also warn that an impending El Niño weather pattern could further drive up global temperatures in the coming year.

The details

The average maximum temperature for March 2026 was 11.4°F (6.3°C) above the 20th century average, nearly a degree warmer than the typical average daytime high for April. February 2026 was also the tenth highest month on record, coming in at 6.57°F (3.65°C) above normal.

  • March 2026 set the new record for the hottest March on record.
  • February 2026 was the tenth highest month on record, coming in at 6.57°F (3.65°C) above normal.

The players

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

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

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What’s next

Meteorologists warn that a brewing El Niño weather pattern could drive global temperatures even higher in the coming year.

The takeaway

The record-breaking heat in March 2026 is a stark reminder of the ongoing impacts of climate change, with six of the nation's top 10 most abnormally hot months occurring in the last decade. This underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of global warming and prepare communities for the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.