health
March 12, 2026
Blistering early-season heatwave threatens California and other western states
Records could be smashed in southern California as experts warn weather set to be ‘exceptional – and not in a good way’
TL;DR
- A brutal early-season heatwave is forecast for the western US, with temperatures 20-30F above normal.
- Daily and potentially all-time March records could be broken in southern California.
- The heatwave is caused by a large, persistent dome of high pressure.
- It will arrive in two waves, first hitting the west coast on Thursday and spreading east, with a second, stronger wave starting Monday.
- By next Tuesday, moderate heat risks will affect approximately 26.4 million people, with tens of thousands facing extreme heat.
- The early-season timing makes the heat more impactful on public health.
- Climate scientist Daniel Swain describes the event as 'exceptional – and not in a good way', with a strong ridge of high pressure expected.
- Snowpack levels are expected to decline further, potentially reaching record lows for early spring.
- Increased heat will accelerate snowmelt and dry out landscapes, amplifying wildfire risks.
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