Diana Leonard

Insane, unprecedented March heat wave in the western, central U.S. This hasn't gotten enough attention so we wanted to share some more info. Look at this @NWSWPC map of all of the cities that tied or broke all-time March temperature records late last week. This is just select weather stations. Using a broader set, CWG's Ian Livingston found more than 500 locations set March record highs. According to Maximiliano Herrera (@extremetemps), 14 states set March record highs and the U.S. set a national March temp record when highs hit 112 in Arizona and California Friday. What happened last week is just the first wave. Another round is on the way this week with hundreds of more records forecast. This is the warmest March on record in the United States. Even though we have missed the core of the heat, here in DC our temp is running 5 to 6 degrees above normal.

A series of #KonaLow storms has brought heavy rainfall to Hawaii, leading to some of the worst #flooding the islands have seen in 20 years. Today’s water vapor imagery from @NOAA’s #GOESWest (#GOES18) 🛰️ shows deep atmospheric moisture still streaming over the islands and Flood Watches continue for parts of the Big Island. Latest: weather.gov

While Spring officially started yesterday, we have been experiencing spring-like temperatures all winter. We tracked 12 days reaching above 80°F this winter at San Diego International. To put that in perspective, that's greater than the last FIVE winters...combined (11 days).

Extraordinary March heat - most of our climate sites recorded new all-time records on Friday. We're still awaiting data from a few additional sites. Queue a short thread to summarize some key stats 👇 #COwx

Crazy, unprecedented March heat today in the western United States with dozens of locations setting all-time March highs. The high of 90 in San Francisco is bonkers. Highest national temperatures up to 112 in Arizona and California, the highest ever observed in the month.

What does a #HeatDome look like on satellite? This water vapor imagery from @NOAA's #GOESWest (#GOES18) 🛰️ shows you! Learn more about the historic March heatwave baking the western U.S. in our #SatelliteSnapshot: bit.ly/4rCpraF

This chart highlights just how extraordinary heat in the West will be. It shows high temperatures in Phoenix during March and April since 1895. The red line is Friday's forecast: 106 degrees — entirely outside of the historical temperature distribution this time of the year.

It was a record kind of day today. This is just the start of a LONG DURATION HEAT WAVE, with no relief expected the rest of the week - especially inland of the beaches. Take heat risks seriously. Make a plan now on how you will stay cool the rest of the week. #cawx

This week’s heat from the West Coast to the Plains will set hundreds of daily records—many by several degrees. Some areas may even set March records, with temperatures more typical of June. Learn how to stay safe: weather.gov/heat

In the mood to smash some records? These afternoon high temperatures are more reminiscent of summertime. With that, lakes and rivers will look appetizing to cool off in but try to refrain as they'll be running fast and cold from snowmelt. #nvwx #cawx

A few visuals showing just how unusual for this time of year the upcoming West Coast heat wave is: 1. The magnitude of the ridge is so strong that it is expected to shatter the March monthly record (ERA5, 1950-2024) by over **6 dekameters**

Maui’s tallest peak, Haleakalā, has seen a staggering 32.39 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. The entire island is under a Flash Flood Warning.

All signs continue to point to an exceptional, long-duration, and record-breaking to (in some cases) record-shattering March heatwave initially centered across U.S. Southwest but expanding to much broader region next week. This is effectively a full-on summer heatwave in March.

🤓Based on the expected 850 mb temperature (measured at roughly 5,000 feet), next week's heat wave could break monthly temperature records. It will feel more like early August. #CAwx

This looks like an historic, truly off-the-charts March heatwave for Colorado. March 18-22 (next Wednesday-following Sunday), potentially a bit longer. #COwx

Extreme heat looking likely for #SoCal next week: - MAJOR to EXTREME HEAT RISK likely next Tue-Thu - High temperatures in the 90s to low 100s - Very warm overnight low temperatures - Daily and monthly temperature records at risk Prepare now for this upcoming heat event. #CAwx

HIGH RISK FOR HEAT ILLNESS this week, especially Thursday and Friday. Adjust plans now to avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day. #cawx

Lots of buzz online about an upcoming major March heatwave for the American SW & California. And in this case, it does indeed appear increasingly likely than an extremely anomalous and even record-breaking heatwave may envelop much of the SW about a week from now.

The Power of Santa Ana Winds - At 2:40/2:45 PM today, strong Santa Ana winds (out of the east) had caused San Diego Int'l to reach 90F with a humidity of 9%🥵 A quick wind shift to the south meant that not even 50 minutes later the temp had fallen to 72F with a humidity of 53%😱

Our Next Santa Ana wind event will be in full swing across #SoCal by tomorrow morning for the usual areas. Another warmup over the weekend as Temperatures get up into the 80's along Coast/Valley Locations. Our dry weather pattern expected to continue for at least another 10 days. #CAwx