WASHINGTON (AP) — The month of March 2023 will be remembered for its exceptional heat, as it set the record for the hottest March in the continental US in over a century, according to new findings released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This year’s average temperature for March reached an astonishing 50.85 degrees Fahrenheit (10.47 degrees Celsius), which is approximately 9.35 F (5.19 C) higher than the long-term average for the month.
The previous record for abnormally high temperatures was 8.9 F (4.9 C) above normal, last set in March 2012. Meteorologists report that this year's record-breaking temperatures contribute to a concerning trend, as six of the ten hottest months recorded in history occurred in the last decade.
In addition to the historical records for March, it was noted that the average maximum temperature was 11.4 F (6.3 C) above the 20th-century average. Experts indicate that this prolonged period of unusual warmth could signal ongoing shifts in climate patterns, especially with the emergence of a super El Niño expected to amplify global temperatures further.
Climate specialists, such as Guy Walton, an analyst for NOAA data, outlined the comprehensive effects of this event, revealing that over 19,800 daily temperature records were set nationwide during March. “We are in a state of unprecedented heat across the United States," remarked Walton. "This situation is made all the more alarming when considering its continuity from what was previously recorded as the hottest winter on record.”
These escalating temperature trends can have significant implications for weather patterns, agriculture, and public health, prompting important discussions about the urgency of climate action.
