Southern California Experiences Record-Breaking Heat Only One Week After Major Winter Weather.
In the wake of significant rainfall that resulted in floodwaters across areas in the city, Los Angeles is now grappling with abnormally high conditions for the end of February.
Record-Setting Temperatures
During the day Friday, the thermometer climbed to ninety-one degrees Fahrenheit in the city center, per data from the National Weather Service. This breaks the previous daily record for this date, which was 88°F (31°C) and was established just last year.
"Very warm conditions" were noted on official maps for the region.
Public Health Advisories
Authorities issued a warning that Friday's heat posed an "increased danger for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their guidance included:
- Staying hydrated.
- Reducing outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Not leaving children or pets unattended in a car.
A Dramatic Shift
This sudden spike in heat comes on the heels of a massive winter storm that pummeled the area last week. That storm brought high winds, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall to mountainous regions, triggering flash flood warnings for countless residents.
Sadly, the storm also caused a large avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Temperatures Easing
Forecasters predict some relief is expected. Readings were forecast to decrease to around 61°F (16°C) in downtown LA by Friday night.
Other locales that hit the 90-degree mark were Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Elsewhere, Westwood, Camarillo, Santa Maria, and Oxnard were expected to reach the upper eighties.
Over Saturday and Sunday, central Los Angeles can anticipate weather in the 80s, with a further cooldown expected for the start of March.
