An intense and unusual heatwave has shattered
temperature records across the western United States, with extreme conditions
expected to persist and spread eastward.
Temperatures in desert regions near the
California–Arizona border reached 44.4°C (112°F) on Friday, setting a new
national record for March. The record-breaking readings were recorded in areas
near Yuma and Martinez Lake in Arizona, as well as Winterhaven and Ogilby in
California.
So far, at least 65 cities across states including
Arizona, California, and Idaho have recorded new March temperature highs. In
Death Valley, temperatures soared to 40°C, while San Francisco matched its
all-time March record at 29°C—an unusual spike for the typically cool coastal
city.
The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat
warnings across large parts of the southwest, including Los Angeles and Las
Vegas. Authorities have also warned residents against leaving children or pets
inside vehicles due to the dangerous heat levels.
Climate scientists say the severity and timing of the
heatwave are deeply concerning. The World Weather Attribution described the
event as extremely rare—likely to occur only once every 500 years—and strongly
linked it to human-induced climate change.
According to climate expert Friederike Otto of
Imperial College London, such extreme temperatures would have been virtually
impossible without global warming.
Scientists warn that rising global temperatures,
largely driven by fossil fuel emissions, are pushing weather patterns into
unprecedented extremes. The early arrival of such intense heat has also begun
affecting ecosystems, with plants blooming prematurely and wildlife facing
increasing stress.
Residents have expressed concern over the unusual
weather patterns, noting that summer-like temperatures in March are becoming
increasingly common.
Experts say the phenomenon highlights the urgent need
for stronger climate policies, as extreme weather events continue to intensify
worldwide.
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