Reports reveal that the western United States is experiencing an intense heatwave despite it still being winter, with temperatures rising to 43.3°C, breaking the March record. Scientists point to this as a sign of global warming.
On 21 March 2026, the U.S. National Weather Service issued heat warnings for several areas in southern California and Arizona, cautioning residents about the risk of heatstroke. They advised avoiding outdoor activities, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and drinking sufficient water.
Reports stated that desert areas in Arizona recorded temperatures as high as 43.3°C on 19 March, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in March in the U.S., breaking the previous record of 42.2°C set in Texas in 1954.
Meanwhile, many areas in California also reached 42.2°C, including Cathedral City near the Palm Springs desert tourist area and Thermal, northeast of San Diego. Las Vegas recorded 35°C, breaking its previous record set just a day earlier.
Meteorologists noted that the temperatures were significantly above normal and represented the first major heatwave of the year, occurring after a cold period when people had not yet adjusted. Over the past 11 years, the world has experienced consecutive record high temperatures, and such heatwaves are clear indicators of global warming primarily caused by human fossil fuel combustion. They believe temperature records may continue to be broken amid increasingly severe global weather trends.