Southwest Welcomes Spring with Unseasonably Warm Temperatures
Spring began on March 20, 2026, but much of the southwestern United States felt like mid-summer. Southwest Welcomes Spring with Unseasonably Warm Temperatures as records fell across the region.
Widespread records and extremes
Weather stations logged unprecedented highs on March 20. Yuma, Arizona, reached 109°F, 28°F above the 1991–2020 normal for that date.
Four sites tied for the highest U.S. temperature that day at 112°F (44°C). Those locations were near Yuma and Martinez Lake in Arizona, and Ogilby and Winterhaven in California.
Temperatures also spiked beyond the Southwest. Lubbock, Texas, recorded several days in the mid to upper 90s. Hermosillo, Mexico, set a March record at 108°F (42°C).
Reports compiled by Filmogaz.com indicated 12 Mexican states topped 105°F (40°C) during the event.
Meteorological factors
Meteorologists attributed the heat to a persistent high-pressure system. The ridge resembled summertime patterns in both strength and longevity.
It lingered for more than a week. The system produced dry air and mostly clear skies over a vast area.
Modeling and observations
A GEOS model visualization mapped air temperatures on the afternoon of March 20. The model represented temperatures at roughly 2 meters (6.5 feet) above ground.
The darkest red tones on the map corresponded to areas reaching or exceeding 104°F (40°C). Ground-based measurements confirmed the hottest values reported by the National Weather Service.
Forecast and next steps
Forecasts expected the heat to shift eastward the following week. The Midwest and Southeast faced rising temperatures as the pattern moved.
Authorities and utilities were advised to monitor conditions and prepare for heat-related impacts. Public health and emergency services remained on alert.
