Extreme heat across the US in 4 graphics
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- A significant heat wave is affecting the United States in March, breaking previous temperature records by large margins, with California and Arizona experiencing daily highs over 100°F (38°C), far above the usual March averages.
- Approximately 25% of March heat records at 400 weather stations nationwide may be tied or broken this month, with the most intense heat concentrated in the Southwestern states, particularly Southern California, where Palm Springs reached 107°F (42°C).
- Climate scientists attribute this unprecedented heat wave to climate change, stating such extreme temperatures would be "virtually impossible" without the influence of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning.
- Temperatures in parts of the Midwest and Plains states are also significantly above normal, sometimes by
