Southern California Battles Historic Heat Just Days After Severe Winter Weather.
Following a week of heavy downpours that resulted in floodwaters across sections of the city, LA is now grappling with abnormally warm conditions for the end of February.
Record-Shattering Heat
By Friday afternoon, the temperature soared to 91°F (33°C) in downtown Los Angeles, per data from the National Weather Service. This exceeds the previous daily record for February 27th, which was 88°F (31°C) and was recorded just last year.
"Unusually high temperatures" were noted on NWS graphics for the region.
Public Health Warnings
Forecasters stated that Friday's heat posed an "increased danger for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their recommendations suggested:
- Staying hydrated.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day.
- Ensuring you do not leave kids or animals unattended in a car.
A Dramatic Weather Swing
This dramatic increase in temperature arrives just after a massive storm system that battered the area recently. That event unleashed high winds, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall to higher elevations, leading to evacuation orders for millions residents.
Unfortunately, the storm also triggered a massive avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Forecast Ahead
Forecasters predict cooler conditions will arrive. Temperatures were predicted to decrease to around 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) in the city by late Friday.
Other locales that experienced ninety degrees included Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Meanwhile, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were projected to experience the high eighties.
For the weekend, central Los Angeles can expect weather in the 80s, with cooler weather expected for the week ahead.
