Record-Breaking Southwest Heatwave Persists After Historic March Highs
A relentless and unprecedented heatwave continues to grip the southwestern United States, following a day where a small desert community in Southern California matched the highest March temperature ever recorded in the nation. Forecasters issued warnings on Thursday that the record-shattering winter heat, which is defying seasonal norms, will extend throughout the weekend, bringing dangerously elevated temperatures to multiple states.
Historic Highs in California Desert
On Wednesday, the community of North Shore, California, reached a scorching 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42.2 Celsius), tying the all-time U.S. March high initially set in Rio Grande City, Texas, back in 1954. The aptly named town of Thermal, located northeast of San Diego in the California desert, is forecast to hit an even more extreme 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) on Friday, underscoring the intensity of this early-season heat event.
Widespread Records Across the Region
The heatwave is not confined to California, with Arizona and Nevada also experiencing extraordinary conditions. In Phoenix, Arizona, the National Weather Service reported a record-high overnight low temperature for March 19th of 69 degrees Fahrenheit (20.5 Celsius), offering little respite after sunset. Daytime highs in Phoenix are expected to peak around 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 Celsius) on Thursday, potentially rising further on Friday.
"For some perspective, the average first 105-degree day of the year normally occurs on May 22nd," the weather service stated, highlighting that the last time Phoenix saw March temperatures in the hundreds was nearly four decades ago.
Several other cities witnessed their hottest March day in forty years on Wednesday:
- Las Vegas, Nevada soared to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 Celsius), shattering its previous March record of 93 degrees (33.8 Celsius) set in 2022.
- Downtown Los Angeles, California reached 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius), surpassing its prior daily high of 87 degrees (30.5 Celsius) from 1997.
- Palm Springs, California, a popular desert destination, hit 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius), matching its hottest March day on record from 1966.
Extended Forecast and Broader Impacts
The National Weather Service predicts that temperatures across the Southwest will remain 20 to 30 degrees above normal for the remainder of the week, with only a slight cooldown expected starting Sunday. Many cities in the region are anticipated to experience their earliest 100-plus degree Fahrenheit (37.8-plus Celsius) day on record, signaling a potentially prolonged and severe heat season ahead. This persistent heatwave raises concerns about public health, energy demands, and environmental stress in the affected areas.
