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Record-Breaking March Heat Wave Hits Southwest U.S.

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A desert community in North Shore, California, reached 108 degrees on March 18, 2026, tying the U.S. March record.
This event comes amid a record-breaking winter heat wave across the Southwest.
Thermal is forecast to exceed 110 degrees, and Phoenix reached 101 degrees, the earliest 100-degree day.
Meteorologist Bryan Lewis said heat wave is among the most significant in March history, with temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above normal.

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Story summary

A desert community in North Shore, California, reached 108 degrees on March 18, 2026, tying the U.S. March record.
This event comes amid a record-breaking winter heat wave across the Southwest.
Thermal is forecast to exceed 110 degrees, and Phoenix reached 101 degrees, the earliest 100-degree day.
Meteorologist Bryan Lewis said heat wave is among the most significant in March history, with temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above normal.