110 degrees? Forecast warns of record-setting March heat wave - USA Today

USA Today
March 17, 2026
6 views
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

A record-setting March heat wave with temperatures reaching 110 degrees is forecasted.

How This Affects You

Extreme March heat may increase air conditioning costs, strain power grids, and pose heat-related health risks to vulnerable populations.

AI Summary

A National Weather Service forecast is warning of dangerously high temperatures reaching 110 degrees in parts of the United States, potentially breaking March records for heat. March heat waves of this intensity are historically uncommon, making this forecast noteworthy for meteorologists tracking seasonal temperature patterns. Such extreme early-season heat poses risks to public health, energy grids, and vulnerable populations, and can signal broader climate trends. The specific regions expected to be most affected and the exact timing of the heat wave would determine immediate preparedness measures for local authorities. Residents in forecast areas should monitor updates as the event approaches.

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Historic March heatwave pushes south-west US toward triple digits
Environment

Historic March heatwave pushes south-west US toward triple digits

<p>California, Nevada and Arizona face record highs, with heat alerts and park trail closures as temperatures spike</p><p>States across the US south-west recorded blistering temperatures at the tail end of winter, with forecasts indicating hotter days are still to come.</p><p>California, Nevada and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/arizona">Arizona</a> were all under heat warnings on Thursday amid record-breaking temperatures.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/19/march-heatwave-weather-us">Continue reading...</a>

The Guardian US NewsMar 19
Planet is storing more heat than it can release, UN warns
Environment

Planet is storing more heat than it can release, UN warns

The amount of heat trapped by the Earth has reached record levels. According to the UN's annual State of the Climate report, published this Monday, the last 11 years have been the warmest ever recorded. For the first time, the World Meteorological Organization is warning of a growing "energy imbalance", driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists also fear that a natural warming phase called El Niño could soon bring further heat records. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe explains.

AFP / France 24Mar 23
Graphics show the scale of extreme heat hitting the US - AP News
Environment

Graphics show the scale of extreme heat hitting the US - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinAFBVV95cUxOaEN2Y2w5ZHczU3pIamx0OUZuMnpIY01oU0U2ZXRrcGc3a1FEbGZwODZCLUZ0Y3N1VmtacFRmbHNtTlBQcmREVG9fVkFvV2h1d1ZySlFpcWxuWXJDM0hMbzYzdDRfZ0V5eGFGMXFoUk9Wb0lGVkswLWl4bUlyTzV2VE1Odl9NYUJreS1VX1FvMV9lZTRSZzVtRENkbDY?oc=5" target="_blank">Graphics show the scale of extreme heat hitting the US</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 20
The US likely set an all-time heat record for March. Yes, it’s climate change - CNN
Environment

The US likely set an all-time heat record for March. Yes, it’s climate change - CNN

CNNMar 20
The worst of California’s heat wave is still ahead. Here’s when temperatures will peak - San Francisco Chronicle
Environment

The worst of California’s heat wave is still ahead. Here’s when temperatures will peak - San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco ChronicleMar 18
Record-breaking heat wave hits West Coast
Environment

Record-breaking heat wave hits West Coast

The West Coast is facing a winter warm up that feels more like the sizzle of summer. As Kris Van Cleave reports, some cities are on high alert.

CBS NewsMar 18
Read Next
US to pay almost $1bn to French energy company to kill wind project plan
Environment

US to pay almost $1bn to French energy company to kill wind project plan

<p>Trump administration announces deal with TotalEnergies to redirect investment in wind to oil and gas instead</p><p>As a fuel crisis triggered by the war in Iran drives up global fossil fuel prices, the Trump administration has announced it will pay French energy major TotalEnergies $1bn to kill plans to construct wind farms off the US east coast.</p><p>The deal is the latest blow to the US offshore wind industry, which has faced repeated disruptions to multi-billion-dollar projects under Donald Trump.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/23/trump-administration-wind-project-plan">Continue reading...</a>

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources