March Milestone: 79 Degrees Warmest Ever for the Month at Baker City Airport

Published 2:41 pm Thursday, March 19, 2026

Baker City, Oregon – Thursday, March 19, 2026, marked the warmest March day at the Baker City Airport since record-keeping began in 1943. As of 2 p.m. Local time, the temperature reached 79°F, surpassing the previous record of 78°F set on March 29, 1978.

Record-Breaking Heatwave

The unprecedented warmth stems from a high-pressure ridge extending across much of the Western United States, driving temperatures well above seasonal averages. In Death Valley, California, temperatures have exceeded 100°F. This is the second consecutive day of record highs for Baker City Airport; Wednesday’s high of 77°F broke the previous record for March 18 of 74°F, established in 2024.

Historical Context and Temperature Range

Prior to Thursday, the earliest date in the year with a temperature of 75°F or higher at the airport was previously unrecorded. The previous record high for March 19 was 75°F, also set in 2024. The average high temperature for March 19 is 52°F.

Beyond the high temperature, Thursday also presented unusually low humidity. As of 2 p.m., the relative humidity was 12%, a level more typical of mid-summer months. Wednesday also showcased a significant daily temperature range. The low temperature at the airport was 22°F, well below the average low of 26°F for March 18. This resulted in a daily temperature range of 55°F – a relatively rare occurrence.

Such large daily ranges typically occur on clear, calm days during spring or fall, when temperatures can drop below freezing overnight but climb into the 70s during the afternoon. A similar range of 52 degrees was recorded on September 25, 2025, with a high of 84°F and a low of 32°F.

Mosquito Season Concerns

The unseasonably warm weather is also raising concerns about an earlier start to mosquito season. Matt Hutchinson, manager of the Baker Valley Vector Control District, noted that mild winters increase the likelihood of mosquitoes emerging sooner than usual. He specifically highlighted Culex mosquitoes as a concern due to their potential to carry the West Nile virus. Surveys are already underway to monitor mosquito populations.

Looking Ahead

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 75°F on Friday, March 20, before a weekend cooldown. The current heatwave follows a generally mild winter in Baker City, with the coldest temperature at the airport this season being 3°F on February 19.