Los Angeles, CA – A rare early-season heat wave is expected to send temperatures soaring across much of the western United States this week, with some cities potentially breaking long-standing March temperature records.
According to the National Weather Service, an unusual weather pattern will push temperatures 15 to 30 degrees above normal across California, Nevada, Arizona, and parts of Utah through next weekend.
Major cities could see unusually hot conditions for March, including:
- Palm Springs: around 111°F (record 104°F)
- Yuma: near 107°F (record 102°F)
- Phoenix: around 106°F (record 100°F)
- Needles: near 106°F (record 99°F)
- Los Angeles: around 101°F (record 99°F)
- San Jose: near 94°F (record 89°F)
- Fresno: around 93°F (record 91°F)
Several locations could also experience their earliest 100-degree day ever recorded in March.
Meteorologists say the prolonged warmth could create moderate to major heat risk levels, particularly for people not yet acclimated to extreme heat this early in the season. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and outdoor workers, may face a higher risk of heat-related illness.
The Climate Prediction Center also indicates a moderate risk of much-above-normal temperatures continuing across the Southwest through March 21–22, suggesting the unusual warmth could persist beyond the initial heat surge.
Officials are also warning that rapid warming could lead to accelerated snowmelt in mountain regions, causing rising river levels and strong currents. While air temperatures will be hot, river and lake water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold-water shock and hypothermia.
Residents across the West are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, and check on vulnerable neighbors as this unusual March heat wave develops.
