Global average temperature for March reached 13.94°C, about 1.48°C above the pre-industrial baseline and 0.53°C above the 1991–2020 March average, continuing a trend toward more extreme temperatures.

In Europe, March 2026 averaged 5.88°C, about 2.27°C above the 1991–2020 reference, with a mix of dryness in many areas and heavy rainfall causing floods in regions like the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.

Arctic sea ice extent in March reached a record low for the month, while global sea surface temperature averaged 20.97°C, the second-highest for March, highlighting pronounced regional contrasts.

The EU climate service compiles these analyses using ERA5 reanalysis data alongside measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations.

Copernicus emphasizes that ERA5 data, integrated with satellite, ship, aircraft, and weather-station measurements, underpins these assessments.

While each data point is striking, together they illustrate a climate system under persistent and accelerating pressure.

Copernicus attributes the numbers to a climate system under persistent and accelerating pressure, highlighting the role of the ERA5 reanalysis dataset that combines multiple data sources.

Globally, March 2026 saw an average surface temperature of 13.94°C, reinforcing the pattern of increasingly extreme temperatures.

Copernicus Climate Change Service reports March 2026 as the second-warmest March in Europe on record and the second-highest global sea surface temperature for March, with globally the fourth-warmest March on record.

Copernicus frames the numbers as evidence of a climate system under persistent and accelerating pressure, reflecting broader warming and variability.

The EU climate service notes that its assessments rely on extensive datasets and regular updates to track temperatures, sea ice, and precipitation trends.