March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows

CBS News
April 9, 2026
2 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Federal data shows last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states.

How This Affects You

You may experience continued rising temperatures, as this record-breaking March precedes an expected El Niño event that will further increase global temperatures.

AI Summary

Federal data indicates that last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states. This March surpassed previous records by the largest margin ever recorded for any single month. The unprecedented heat is significant as a forecast El Niño event is expected to further increase global temperatures. This data highlights a continuing trend of rising temperatures.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

The U.S. smashed heat records in March. Just wait for El Niño this summer
Environment

The U.S. smashed heat records in March. Just wait for El Niño this summer

March's persistent heat was unseasonably intense, and the next year or so looks to turn the dial up on global warmth even more, as some forecasts predict a brewing El Niño will reach superstrength.

PBS NewsHourApr 9
March smashes record as most abnormally hot month for continental US, federal meteorologists say - AP News
Environment

March smashes record as most abnormally hot month for continental US, federal meteorologists say - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxNTDF2b2JwTjRBUjlNeTFsQzNQaEtscURrcFE4YnNMWHpkN3NHcWVjNEtRa1VtNEhLSEpwaFh2SWk0T2FhNndLR0wxOVNPSno1R3pSNU1kY2U1Y1NScVBtdGJucnJhc3JrcEFPVUp4a1NDY25vN2xROFZ1MjlyVzhLeGlIRzBiUF9aUUFTRzVXU3ZXWkloWThmTWdIeVlsQjhMdHc?oc=5" target="_blank">March smashes record as most abnormally hot month for continental US, federal meteorologists say</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsApr 8
MAP: Some states see highest-ever diesel prices as gas averages near records
Finance

MAP: Some states see highest-ever diesel prices as gas averages near records

Diesel prices set new records in six states on Tuesday, AAA data shows.

The HillApr 7
Weather tracker: Warm March in US leaves snowpack critically low
Environment

Weather tracker: Warm March in US leaves snowpack critically low

<p>Concerns about coming wildfire risk, and temperatures also remain high on other side of Pacific where rare tropical cyclone has formed</p><p>After a historically warm winter across nine states in the US, the first month of meteorological spring again brought exceptionally high temperatures, with numerous states recording new all-time high temperatures in March. The remarkable intensity and longevity of the warmth have left much of the mountain snowpack, a crucial source of water for millions in the American west, at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/01/snowmelt-american-west">critically low levels</a>.</p><p>Though precipitation totals tend to increase in spring, the low snowpack has raised <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/24/heatwave-west-climate-crisis-wildfires">concerns about a potentially severe wildfire season</a> if conditions do not improve soon. And with further spells of abnormally warm, dry weather expected this week, the outloo...

The Guardian World NewsApr 6
Trump admin. personnel agency is asking for federal workers' medical records
Government Transparency

Trump admin. personnel agency is asking for federal workers' medical records

The Office of Personnel Management is asking insurers that cover federal employees and retirees to hand over details about their medical visits, their pharmacy claims, and more.

CBS NewsApr 8
3-year-old immigrant suffered alleged sexual abuse during months in federal custody, family says - AP News
Civil Rights

3-year-old immigrant suffered alleged sexual abuse during months in federal custody, family says - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMioAFBVV95cUxQQjZjbnB5VHR3Q3RCMUFhMS1BVHJIMmFxYnBqdndpVHpDNTlzQ2t5cU5jemdqYnQ0b1h1ZVMyUDM0b1ZSaEVnZzRNMFYxeGxsRkVwc3hMNEtadnNnUERSamlsVWZqT2xBQmtWZUdQaFBubFJHcFdZOFB2VXBUaERjYVIzckg1OHlYd1RuZ1J3MUJlbnJ2N2pROThrcWtwS0Nt?oc=5" target="_blank">3-year-old immigrant suffered alleged sexual abuse during months in federal custody, family says</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsApr 5
Read Next
Trump administration proposes gutting rules targeting coal plant ash that threatens groundwater - AP News
Environment

Trump administration proposes gutting rules targeting coal plant ash that threatens groundwater - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxPTWNVdGVJMUFuWFd0MERJdFRiUW1OUmhNVUowOTJ5LWMzRzFkOWNoWGJwSjJ2bTdpMDk5eUZSbVJmMFBfOHhIX1NNbWt4RnFGSHVBd3FiUU9icGNVUjlkQ0dRRW01a1pyd3FjRXBLSGczYlZNUzRYaVEzVHBjell1Skh0YWNZQklPaGZGU2JjTVVSbFJVc25rbnI1N3BtSFJCYnFKczVCY3kyeFhBSG5z?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump administration proposes gutting rules targeting coal plant ash that threatens groundwater</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources