Scientists Say Late-March Heat Wave Was Virtually Impossible Without Climate Change

Record-Breaking March Heat Spreads Across U.S.

Temperatures are nearing record highs again for the end of March as a large part of the country sits under a heat dome, and scientists say this extreme heat would be virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.

The event is expected to rank not only as the worst heat wave to hit the United States in March, but also as one of the largest ever recorded in the country’s history. About a quarter to a third of the U.S. could break March heat records this week. According to the National Center for Environmental Information, nearly 500 weather stations are expected to record their highest March temperatures ever between Wednesday and Saturday, while around 1,500 stations are set to break daily temperature records.

The heat dome’s geographic reach has exceeded other historic heat waves, including the 2021 Pacific Northwest event and the 2012 Upper Midwest and Northeast heat waves. Fourteen states, including Missouri, have already recorded their hottest March day during this event.

Scientists Link Event to Climate Change

Researchers say the unusual timing of the heat is a major concern. While some other heat domes have been more dangerous because they occurred during summer, early spring heat can still be deadly. Research shows early heat waves can cause more deaths because people are not yet acclimated to higher temperatures.

World Weather Attribution said the heat wave would be “virtually impossible without climate change.” The group’s analysis found that the historical burning of fossil fuels and the buildup of greenhouse gases made this event up to 800 times more likely.

Scientists say temperature extremes are among the clearest signals of climate change because temperatures have been measured worldwide for centuries, making it easier to compare current events with the historical record.

Heat Heads East, With Missouri in Line

The heat dome mainly affected the Desert Southwest in the previous week, but it is expected to move east in the coming days and bring abnormal heat to the central United States through the end of the week, including Mid-Missouri.

In Columbia, the record high is likely to be broken on Thursday. The forecast high of 89 degrees would surpass the standing record of 86 degrees set in 1910.