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Record Heat Scorches U.S. Cities Ahead of Spring
13 Mar
Summary
- Record-breaking heat is forecasted across the South, Southwest, and Western U.S.
- Temperatures could reach the mid-90s in major metropolitan areas by Friday.
- Extreme heat is becoming a more frequent occurrence outside of summer months.
Unseasonable heat is expected to grip much of the country in the final days before spring officially begins. Dozens of cities across the South, Southwest, and Western United States are anticipating record-breaking temperatures throughout the upcoming weekend. As early as Friday, March 13th, several major metropolitan areas are predicted to experience highs in the mid-90s Fahrenheit.
Historically, March temperatures average around 41.5°F nationwide. Even warmer regions like Death Valley and Miami typically see March averages below 75°F. However, the ongoing warming of Earth's atmosphere is making historical averages less reliable for predicting weather patterns. Extreme heat events are increasingly occurring outside the traditional summer season.
A review of local forecast data identified 10 cities where weekend temperatures were projected to exceed historic daily records, reaching at least 85°F. These cities, located in Arizona, California, and Texas, are expected to see temperatures between 15.7°F and 26.6°F above their typical daily highs. Some of these record highs have stood for decades, emphasizing the unusual nature of the current heatwave.
