Fourteen states have set all-time March heat records, and the U.S.-wide record was tied or beaten on four consecutive days.

by BOB HENSON and JEFF MASTERS
MARCH 23, 2026

In one of the most astounding global weather events of the century thus far, hundreds of cities across the western and central United States and northern Mexico have endured their hottest March weather on record over the past week – and in some cases, heat that’s never been observed prior to May. Multiple analyses have found that the extent and intensity of this heat wave would be virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.

Consider this: The U.S. national heat record for March was smashed on Friday with 112°F at Buttercup and Squaw Lake, California. That reading came within just a single degree Fahrenheit of the nation’s April heat record of 113°F, which was set at Death Valley, California, on April 24, 1946, and again on April 22, 2012.

Through yesterday, these are the major climate stations that have recorded a temperature this month that matches or exceeds their April monthly record. 🔥

— Climatologist49 (@climatologist49.bsky.social) 2026-03-22T20:19:29.469Z

Another burst of record heat will surge across the Sun Belt by midweek, one that would have been even more history-making had this past weekend not occurred.

The footprint of historic March heat expanded yesterday—intensifying across the Plains while extending as far east as Tennessee.
Shown are select cities where March high temperature records were tied or broken last week. For heat safety and awareness, visit heat.gov

— National Weather Service (@nws.noaa.gov) 2026-03-22T22:57:59.012Z

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