Hottest March on record for continental U.S., and the largest above-normal departure for any month

NOAA data show March averaged 50.85°F across the continental United States, 9.35°F above the 20th-century March normal, marking the largest monthly departure in 132 years of records.

Federal weather data reported that March was the hottest March on record for the continental United States and the month’s departure from normal was the largest for any month in 132 years of records. NOAA recorded a March average temperature of 50.85°F, 9.35°F above the 20th-century March normal. Forecasters are also tracking a forecasted strong El Niño that could raise global temperatures further. Key details: - NOAA reported March averaged 50.85°F, 9.35°F above the 20th-century March normal, the largest monthly departure in 132 years of records. - The average maximum temperature in March was about 11.4°F above the 20th-century average. - April 2025 through March 2026 was the warmest 12-month period on record for the continental U.S., according to NOAA. - The European climate service Copernicus and NOAA are forecasting a strong or “super” El Niño with sea-surface anomalies above 2°C in parts of the central Pacific, which analysts say could push global temperatures higher into late 2026 and 2027. Summary: The March record continues a pattern of unusually warm months and widespread broken temperature records across the continental U.S., and meteorologists note that a strong El Niño is expected to add upward pressure on global temperatures in the coming year.