Scorching Heatwave Shatters Records Across Central US

Dozens of cities see highest March temperatures on record as climate change-fueled heat wave moves eastward.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A record-breaking heatwave that has been afflicting the western United States has now moved eastward, bringing unseasonably warm temperatures to the central part 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 spike over 30 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat is wreaking havoc on wildlife and vegetation, with many plants and trees already blooming out of season.

Why it matters

The extreme heatwave is a clear marker of the ongoing effects of global warming, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels. As the climate continues to change, these types of record-breaking heat events are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing serious risks to public health, agriculture, and the natural environment.

The details

On Saturday, areas that saw new records for the highest temperatures in March included 92 Fahrenheit (33.3C) recorded in Kansas City, Missouri, and North Platte, Nebraska. In Chanute, Kansas, temperatures went from a record low of 13F (-10.5C) on March 16 to a record high of 91F (32.8C) just four days later. In Phoenix, Arizona, the daily low was a balmy 70F (21.1C) on Saturday, the earliest in the year such a level had been reached. Cities recording all-time daily highs Saturday included Denver (86F), Grand Island, Nebraska (98F) and Midland, Texas (98F).

  • On March 16, Chanute, Kansas recorded a record low of 13F (-10.5C).
  • On March 20, Chanute, Kansas recorded a record high of 91F (32.8C).
  • On Saturday, March 22, Kansas City, Missouri recorded a high of 92F (33.3C).
  • On Saturday, March 22, North Platte, Nebraska recorded a high of 92F (33.3C).
  • On Saturday, March 22, Phoenix, Arizona recorded a daily low of 70F (21.1C), the earliest in the year such a level had been reached.

The players

National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

The U.S. government agency responsible for monitoring and predicting weather patterns across the country.

Midland, Texas

A city in western Texas that recorded an all-time daily high temperature of 98F (36.7C) on Saturday, March 22.

Grand Island, Nebraska

A city in central Nebraska that recorded an all-time daily high temperature of 98F (36.7C) on Saturday, March 22.

Denver, Colorado

The capital city of Colorado that recorded an all-time daily high temperature of 86F (30C) on Saturday, March 22.

Phoenix, Arizona

One of the hottest cities in the United States, where the daily low temperature reached 70F (21.1C) on Saturday, March 22, the earliest in the year such a level had been recorded.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

As the heatwave continues to move eastward, meteorologists will be closely monitoring its impacts on the central United States. Extreme heat warnings and red flag warnings for high wildfire risk remain in effect for many areas.

The takeaway

This record-breaking heatwave is a stark reminder of the accelerating effects of climate change, driven by human-caused global warming. As these types of extreme weather events become more frequent, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to clean, renewable energy sources.