Heatwave Shatters Records Across Central US

Unseasonably warm temperatures move east, bringing new highs and risks

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A record-breaking heatwave that has been afflicting the western United States has now moved eastward, bringing unseasonably warm temperatures to central parts of the country. Dozens of cities from California to Colorado have recorded their highest temperatures ever for the month of March, with some areas seeing temperatures jump over 80 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few days. The extreme heat has also led to concerns about wildfires and impacts on wildlife.

Why it matters

This heatwave is a stark example of the effects of climate change, with scientists saying there is overwhelming evidence that such extreme weather events are a clear marker of global warming. The rapid temperature swings and new record highs are disrupting normal seasonal patterns and putting stress on ecosystems and infrastructure across a wide region.

The details

The heatwave has brought temperatures up to 112°F (44.4°C) in parts of the southern California-Arizona border, a national record for March. Other cities recording all-time daily highs on Saturday include Denver (86°F), Grand Island, Nebraska (98°F) and Midland, Texas (98°F). The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings and red flag warnings for wildfire risk across much of the central Plains states.

  • On March 16, Chanute, Kansas saw a record low of 13°F (-10.5°C).
  • Just four days later on March 20, Chanute reached a record high of 91°F (32.8°C).
  • On Saturday, March 21, Phoenix, Arizona saw a daily low of 70°F (21.1°C), the earliest in the year such a level had been reached.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings in the United States.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the heatwave and issue further warnings as needed. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take precautions against the extreme heat, such as staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors, and checking on vulnerable populations.

The takeaway

This heatwave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, with record-breaking temperatures becoming more common across the United States. As the planet continues to warm, extreme weather events like this are likely to become more frequent and severe, underscoring the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming.