Martinez Lake sets record for hottest day ever recorded in March in the U.S.

MARTINEZ LAKE, Ariz. (KYMA) - As the Extreme Heat Warning continues throughout the Desert Southwest, Martinez Lake has set the record for the hottest day ever recorded in March in the U.S.

Martinez Lake hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and it was confirmed Thursday evening.

The previous record was set by North Shore, California, which was set Wednesday at 108 degrees, and the record before that was also 108 in Rio Grande, Texas back in 1954.

With temperatures still climbing, locals, like Penny Sims, say it's not keeping them away. In fact, it's what draws them there.

"It feels like summertime. It's quite early for us to have this hot weather, but we live here because we like the heat," Sims explained.

That sentiment was a common theme among those at the lake.

"I have a place here. We bought it probably about ten years ago, but before that, we used to came here in our RV and then we liked it so much, we ended up getting a place here," said Victoria Tomeoni, another local.

The Martinez Lake Fire Department (MLFD) says the area is a popular hotspot for people wanting an alcoholic beverage on the weekends.

"A lot of people make mistakes where they drink alcohol and they think that's good to stay hydrated, but, you know, light beers and seltzers don't count as water...Water is water," said Felipe Ramirez with MLFD.

While some find the heat pleasant, not everyone can survive it.

"In general, March is very busy with the snowbirds, but since it's been so hot, a lot of them left," Sims shared.

If you're planning a trip to Martinez Lake, MLFD is reminding visitors to drink plenty of water, find shade and know your limits in the heat.