US had hottest March on record as nation faced ‘unprecedented’ heat

In March 2024, the continental United States experienced its hottest March and most abnormally hot month on record in 132 years, according to NOAA data. The average temperature was 9.35F above the 20th-century normal, surpassing the previous record set in March 2012. Meteorologists attribute the unprecedented heat to climate change, noting that over 19,800 daily temperature records were broken, with over 2,000 places setting monthly heat records. The period from January to March was also the driest on record for the contiguous US. Furthermore, scientists predict that a developing El Niño could further increase global temperatures in the coming year.

In March 2026, the continental United States experienced its most abnormally hot month in recorded history, according to NOAA. The average temperature of 50.85 degrees Fahrenheit was 9.35 degrees above the 20th-century normal, surpassing the previous record set in March 2012. The average maximum temperature was also significantly elevated, exceeding the average daytime high for April. Meteorologists attribute this unprecedented heat to a continuation of extraordinary warmth following a record-breaking hot winter and poor snow year. Experts predict that global temperatures could rise even further in the coming year due to a potentially strong El Nino weather pattern. Six of the nation's top 10 most abnormally hot months have occurred in the last 10 years.