An unprecedented spring heat wave has begun in the Southwest, one that is likely to rewrite the record books and set dozens of new temperature records for March and possibly even April.
Record March heat in California on Tuesday (FOX Weather)
The worst of the heat is on the way, but temperatures are already above average for the season across the region, and Monday through Tuesday’s highs have already started breaking records in California and Oregon, with at least 57 new records broken on Tuesday alone.
In particular, several locations across Southern California broke both their all-time March high temperature record and their daily record high, as some areas saw over 100 degrees.
We're gearing up for historic heat across the Desert Southwest. Here are some records to put this heat into context. 🥵🌵#VegasWxRecords #VegasWx https://t.co/hf6i9ISZi5 pic.twitter.com/2CyO3KVuRJ
— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) March 16, 2026
It is going to get hot this week. 🥵
☀️ Temperatures will soar 20 to 30°F above normal making it feel more like early June than mid-March for many. Dozens of daily high temperatures records are forecast to be broken or tied this week.
🔥Extreme heat warnings and heat… pic.twitter.com/Rpll2FeVsE
— National Weather Service (@NWS) March 16, 2026
h/t Digital mix guy Kirk Spock