The continental United States registered its most abnormally hot month in 132 years of records for March, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Last month was the hottest March on record for the U.S., and the amount it was above normal, 9.35 degrees F, beat any other month in history for the Lower 48 states. The average March temperature for the continental U.S. is 50.85 degrees F.

Last month’s average maximum temperature was especially high at 11.4 F above the 20th century average temperature. This February, which was 6.57 F above 20th century normal, was the tenth highest above normal.

January through March also was the driest period on record for the continental U.S., AP reported. A record warm March melted an already abysmal snowpack across the West, and CNN reported the impacts clearly visible in satellite imagery. The decreased snowpack is raising alarms ahead of summer in a region that relies heavily on mountain snow for its water supply.

Snowpack in the western US typically reaches its peak by late March or early April, but it is currently at record lows, which means a host of potential impacts, including greater wildfire risk and reduced water availability in river basins, meteorologists told CNN. As of mid-March, moderate to exceptional drought conditions exist across 55% of the continental U.S., according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Spring Outlook for April through June.

Drought conditions are forecast to worsen or develop for many areas in the West and south-central Plains. Forecasters from NOAA’s National Weather Service also predict above-normal temperatures for most of the U.S.

By the end of the year, the U.S. is forecasted to transition to a strong super El Niño pattern, The Weather Channel reported. Most of the U.S. will see a warmer winter. The jet stream during the winter months is strongest over the southern U.S., often roasting the Northern Plains, Midwest, and Northeast. This can reduce the amount of snowfall that the Great Lakes and Northern Rockies can see.

On the other hand, from the Southwest to the Southeast, an amplified storm track and active jet stream often reduce winter temperatures while bringing heavier rain from California to Florida and an increase in severe weather for the Southeast.

The World Federation of Building Service Contractors (WFBSC) will host its Global Executive Congress 2026 from Nov. 17-19 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, marking the event’s return to North America for the first time in more than a decade and its debut in the city.

The congress will be hosted in partnership with BSCAI as part of its Contracting Success Conference, bringing together senior leaders from across the global cleaning and facility services industry for three days of education, strategy and networking. Attendees will also have access to ISSA Show North America, providing additional opportunities to explore the latest innovations, products and solutions driving the industry forward.

Registration is , inviting owners, CEOs, and executive leaders to secure their place at one of the industry’s most influential international gatherings.

“This Congress represents an exciting moment for our global community,” said Stan Doobin, CBSE, CEO of Harvard Maintenance and WFBSC president. “Having hosted our last U.S.-based event in New York City more than a decade ago, it is incredibly rewarding to once again welcome industry leaders from around the world—this time to Las Vegas. We look forward to bringing our community together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and shape the future of our industry.”

Designed specifically for executive decision-makers, the 2026 Global Executive Congress will feature a forward-looking program centered on global market insights, emerging trends, and leadership strategies. Attendees will benefit from high-level education, peer-to-peer engagement and international networking opportunities aimed at helping organizations adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Peter H. Diamandis, MD, founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, and Claire Williams, former deputy team principal of the Williams Formula One racing team. The program will also feature executive panels and interactive discussions addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.

For more information and to register, click here.