Heat records topple as the West bakes
By Denise Chow
Published on March 20, 2026.
An early-season heat wave in the West has toppled numerous records, including those in California and Arizona. Palm Springs, California, set a new all-time record for March, with temperatures reaching 107 degrees Fahrenheit. The city of Indio in the Coachella Valley also set a record high for March when temperatures reached 108 degrees. In Arizona's Yuma County, Martinez Lake hit 110 degrees, setting a new record for the highest March temperature in U.S. recorded history. Phoenix recorded its earliest triple-digit day on Wednesday, with a high of 102 degrees. An extreme heat warning is in effect for the region through Sunday. The National Weather Service has warned that extreme heat, combined with gusty winds and low humidity, are increasing the risks of wildfires in the state.
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