Unusual Heat Wave Sweeps Across West, Contrasts with Eastern Snowstorms

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Franciscans experienced unusually warm temperatures for this time of year on Tuesday, as a city known for its cool summers and fog saw its hottest March in at least two decades. This heat is part of a rare winter heat wave affecting the U.S. West.

Whereas the Bay Area approached 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 Celsius), Phoenix is forecast to exceed 100 F (37.7 C) this week—a typical occurrence in early May, and unprecedented for March 26. Las Vegas may also experience its hottest March on record. Similar record-breaking temperatures were reported in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.

This starkly contrasts with conditions in the Midwest and eastern United States, where communities are recovering from powerful snowstorms that caused thousands of flight cancellations this week.

Warm Weather Draws Crowds in San Francisco

Dogs and sunbathers gathered at Crissy Field’s shoreline, with the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the distance. “It feels like summer already in March. That’s crazy, but I love it,” said dog walker Justyce Roliz.

However, many San Franciscans lack air conditioning. “We have our fans going, our windows open, but we strive to be outside as much as we can,” noted resident Jessica Ling.

Record Temperatures Expected in Other Western Cities

Cities accustomed to warmer weather are also experiencing unusually high spring temperatures. In Las Vegas, meteorologist Brian Planz anticipates a potential high of 100 F (37.7 C) on Saturday, which would be the earliest the city has reached triple digits. Even if temperatures remain in the 90s, Las Vegas is likely to surpass its March all-time high of 93 F (33.8 C), set in 2022. He advised visitors to “prepare for the heat, make sure they’re hydrating.”

Mark Reeves, a visitor from New Zealand, was taking precautions, staying hydrated and seeking shade. “For me, this is the trip of a lifetime,” he said.

Johnnie and Darien Anderson celebrated their wedding anniversary in Las Vegas, enjoying the dry heat as a welcome change from the cold weather in Little Rock, Arkansas.

National Parks Issue Heat Warnings

Western national parks preparing for spring break crowds are urging visitors to check the forecast. White Sands National Park in New Mexico could reach the mid-90s F (around 35 C), while Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is under an extreme heat warning, with potential temperatures of 104 F (40 C) in some areas. Park officials advise avoiding strenuous hiking between 10 a.m. And 4 p.m.

Denver Faces Water Concerns Amid Warm Spell

Denver hasn’t seen three consecutive March days above 80 F (26.6 Celsius) since 1907, but may experience this this week, according to the National Weather Service. This heat wave follows an unusually warm winter with limited snowfall in the Colorado mountains, impacting the water supply for millions. Water providers in the Denver area are considering restrictions on lawn watering, urging residents to delay sprinkler use to avoid potential freezing and damage to systems.

“The sooner you wake it up, it’s not necessarily better,” said Shonnie Cline, a spokesperson for Aurora Water.

Associated Press journalists Jessica Hill in Las Vegas, Colleen Slevin in Denver and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed to this report.

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