Southern California Faces Unprecedented Heat Only One Week Following Severe Winter Weather.
In the wake of significant rainfall that led to inundation across areas in the city, LA is now grappling with abnormally high temperatures for late February.
Record-Setting Heat
On Friday midday, the mercury soared to 91°F (33°C) in downtown Los Angeles, according to meteorologists. This easily surpasses the previous daily record for this date, which was 88°F (31°C) and was established in the previous year.
"Very warm conditions" were highlighted on official charts for the region.
Safety Alerts
The weather service issued a warning that Friday's heat posed an "higher threat for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their guidance suggested:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Ensuring you do not leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.
A Sharp Reversal
This sudden spike in heat follows closely after a massive winter storm that pummeled the area recently. That event brought thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to the mountains, leading to mudslide risks for countless residents.
Tragically, the conditions also caused a massive avalanche in the Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Weekend Outlook
Forecasters predict cooler conditions is expected. Temperatures were expected to drop to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in downtown LA by overnight.
Additional areas that experienced ninety degrees featured Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Additionally, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were forecast to reach the upper eighties.
For the weekend, central Los Angeles can see readings in the 80s, with mid-70s temperatures on tap for the following week.
