Record-Warm March Leads to Early Flower and Leaf Emergence Across the U.S.
March 2026 was the warmest on record across the United States, with temperatures averaging 7 degrees above normal. This unseasonable warmth has led to early blooming of flowers and leaf emergence, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Central states. According to the USA National Phenology Network, leaves have emerged two to four weeks earlier than usual in many areas, affecting about 190 million people. The early onset of spring is evident with cherry blossoms in full bloom in Washington D.C. and other northern cities on the verge of seeing spring leaves. This phenomenon is attributed to climate change, which is causing more frequent deviations from normal seasonal patterns. 
