An intense heat wave is hitting the western United States with summer-like temperatures and threatens to be one of the most extreme episodes ever recorded in March. Temperatures have reached levels close to the national record of 42°C, a figure that has already been equaled in localities such as Indio and Thermal, in California, according to official station data.
Although a reading of 43°C in Martinez Lake, Arizona, made headlines, it will not be considered a record for now, as it is a temporary station without quality control, according to the National Weather Service. The situation, however, remains exceptional and could worsen in the coming days, with forecasts of persistent heat in both California and Arizona.
Scientists warn: "It is caused by human-induced climate change"
This phenomenon is driven by a powerful "heat dome", the intensity of which, according to experts, is exacerbated by global warming. In fact, scientists at World Weather Attribution warn that this episode would be "virtually impossible at this time of year in a world without human-induced climate change". In addition, the Climate Prediction Center warns that "the early and prolonged nature of this heat... will increase the risk of its effects", especially among the most vulnerable people.
More than 100 temperature records have been matched or exceeded in states such as California, Arizona and Colorado. Cities such as Phoenix have reached up to 41°C, while in Flagstaff historical records have been surpassed even in April.
Extreme heat, considered the country's deadliest weather phenomenon, could spread eastward in the coming days, affecting states such as Texas and Nebraska. There, forecast temperatures of between 32 and 37°C are typical for mid-summer, which also increases the risk of wildfires. With no signs of short-term relief, experts warn that this episode reflects a worrying trend: increasingly frequent, intense and long-lasting heat waves.