As of March 22, 2026, the United States is experiencing an extremely unusual and historic early-season heat wave, especially across the Southwest and western states. (Grok)

This is one of the most exceptional March heat events on record, with dozens of all-time March high temperature records being shattered (and some even approaching or exceeding typical April/May levels).

Hottest areas right now (late March 2026 heat wave peak):

• Desert Southwest (especially Arizona, southeastern California, southern Nevada): This region is scorching.
• Yuma, AZ, and nearby spots like Ogilby/Winterhaven, CA → reached 112°F (44°C) on March 20–21 — among the highest March temperatures ever reliably recorded in the US.
• Phoenix, AZ → hit 105–106°F multiple days, obliterating its previous March record (was ~100°F).
• Palm Springs / Thermal / Cathedral City area (CA) → 108–110°F range, tying or breaking previous national March highs.
• Las Vegas, NV → up to 97°F, breaking March records.
• Death Valley → 105°F, new March record.
• Parts of New Mexico, southern Plains, and interior California are also seeing highs in the upper 90s to low 110s °F, 20–35°F above normal for mid-March.

Broader picture across the US (approximate current/recent readings):

• South / Southeast (TX, FL, Gulf Coast): Very warm for March — many places 70–85°F (e.g., Houston ~70–80°F, Miami area ~77–88°F daytime).
• Plains / Midwest (OK, KS, MO, IL): Mild to very warm — 60–80°F in many spots, with some areas pushing into the 80s.
• Northeast / Mid-Atlantic (NYC, Boston, Philly): Much cooler — 40–50°F range, more seasonal or even chilly.
• Northwest / Northern tier (WA, MN, MT): Much colder — 30s to low 50s °F in many locations.
• West Coast (CA beyond deserts, OR, WA): Variable but generally warmer than normal — San Francisco ~59°F, LA ~67–90°F+ in some inland areas.

In short: The US is shockingly hot for March — especially in the Southwest, where it’s record-shatteringly hot (triple-digit temperatures in places that usually see 70–85°F this time of year). The rest of the country ranges from pleasantly warm (South) to seasonable/cool (Northeast/Northwest).

This heat wave is driven by an exceptionally strong high-pressure ridge over the West and is expected to persist a few more days before moderating somewhat.