Western U.S. braces for unprecedented March heat wave driven by climate change

A historic March heat wave is unfolding across the Western U.S., fueled by a powerful heat dome and human-caused climate change. Forecasters warn temperatures could break multiple records from California to Montana, with Phoenix possibly reaching 106°F, creating serious health risks as residents cope with heat before cooling access is widespread. The extreme warmth could accelerate snowpack melt, threaten water supplies, and elevate wildfire risk, echoing and potentially rivaling the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome in intensity and consequences.