From March 16 to 27, the United States hit record-high temperatures, making for a somewhat uncomfortable heat before spring had a chance to get stared.
Beginning on March 16, waves of heat continued across the nation for 11 days. According to Climate Central, 1,500 daily record high temperatures were set across the U.S, 660 of those were at all-time March heat records. Even states known for their chill and cool weather like Colorado and Nebraska had recorded temperatures 30 degrees warmer than their average. California and Arizona have gotten hit the worst from this wave with records above 112 degrees fahrenheit.
“In the morning when it’s nice I will have a sweater on but right after my first class I start burning up and having to prepare myself for my walk to my car. I know the heat will start to increase but didn’t think it would be this fast,” said Becca Rowlee, a 19 year old Delta student.
The Bay Area has had it’s heat advisory warnings in March for the first time ever with temperatures 30 degrees warmer than previous years.
Stockton’s hottest day in March warmed up to 91 degrees on March 20, which was 21 degrees cooler than a decade ago.
According to Climate Central the Climate Shift Index (CSI), which indicates how climate change has altered the frequency of daily temperatures levels. The CSI was at a level five (the highest possible) were forecasted from March 24 through 27, meaning human-caused climate change made this extreme heat at least five times more likely. Signaling that this heat wave was a climate-influenced event.
“It’s really scary how quickly the weather can change. I don’t have any clothes out for this weather and walking in this heat is no joke especially on a college campus” said Amrina Sidhu, 20-year old Delta student.
CalMatters, a nonprofit newsroom that covers issues that affect residents of California, noted in a recent story how California leaders have discussed the danger of heat for decades and how it affects residents’ health.
“As climate change drives longer and stronger heat waves beyond the summer season, experts say heat must become a mainstream piece of public health work, with a focus on prevention,” said the CalMatters report.
In 2026, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed another $241 million in spending from the bond for heat programs, including $50 million for local heat action plans, $700,000 for green space and $55 million for community resilience centers in hopes of increasing public safety.
This heat wave has seemed to cool down with temperatures this week from 65 to 80 degrees even some rain showers.
Hopes are high with future forecasts cooling down 10 to 15 degrees lower than early March.
