Unprecedented Heat Wave Shatters Records Across the US
A historic March heat wave is currently impacting a vast swathe of the United States, smashing monthly records in dozens of cities across the West and extending into the Plains. This unusually early heat is expected to persist in the Southwest well into next week, raising concerns about drought conditions and early wildfire risks.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The heatwave kicked off with an impressive display on Thursday, when Martinez Lake, Arizona, reached a scorching 110°F, breaking the nation’s hottest March temperature record of 108°F. However, this record was short-lived. By Friday, Martinez Lake soared to 112°F, joined by Yuma, New Mexico, Ogilby, and Winterhaven, California, all hitting the same unprecedented high. Winterhaven, ironically, is seeing record heat.
So far, over 125 cities have either tied or broken their March record highs. Here’s a look at some of the most notable:
- Phoenix, Arizona: Set a new all-time record high for March at 105°F on both Thursday and Friday.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Broke its all-time hottest March high with 97°F on Friday, following a previous record of 95°F on Thursday.
- Death Valley, California: Reached 105°F, surpassing the previous March record of 104°F.
- Sacramento, California: Tied its all-time hottest March high at 88°F.
- Redwood City, California: Hit 90°F multiple days this week, a first in 96 years of records, and then broke its monthly high again on Friday with 94°F.
- San Francisco Airport: Broke its all-time March high with 89°F.
Expanding Heat and Warnings
The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings and advisories across the Southwest, including Phoenix and Las Vegas. The heat isn’t confined to the Southwest, however; it’s spreading throughout much of the West, into parts of the Plains and South, and even reaching the Southeast.
While cooler air will move into the northern and central U.S. starting Sunday, record heat will persist in the Southwest for at least the first half of next week. Expect mid-summer temperatures in mid-late March.
Forecasted Highs:
- Triple-Digit Highs: The Desert Southwest (Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, parts of the L.A. Basin) is forecast to experience 100°F+ highs for multiple days.
- 90s: California’s Central Valley and parts of the Bay Area will see temperatures in the 90s. 90s are also possible as far north as Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas.
According to weather historian Christopher Burt, 13 states, from Nevada to Iowa to Oklahoma, could threaten their all-time state March records.
The Cause: A Record-Breaking Heat Dome
The primary driver of this heat wave is a strong ridge of high pressure, often referred to as a heat dome, parked over the West. This dome is record-breaking for March, comparable in strength to those typically seen in June. This high-pressure system is creating exceptionally warm conditions.
Impact on Snowpack and Drought
The unusually warm weather is also impacting snowpack levels. Colorado’s snowpack is at its lowest for mid-March in the last 40 years, and California’s Sierra snowpack has dwindled to just 42% of average. This could lead to an expansion of drought in the Southwest and increased fire danger early this summer.
Climate Change Connection
An analysis by Climate Central suggests that climate change has made this heat wave at least five times more likely. The fingerprints of a changing climate are evident in the intensity and duration of this event.
Source: The Weather Channel
