Southern California Experiences Record-Breaking Heat Just Days After Severe Winter Weather.
In the wake of torrential rains that caused flooding across sections of the city, LA is now confronting unseasonably warm conditions for late February.
All-Time High Heat
By Friday afternoon, the temperature soared to 91°F (33°C) in downtown Los Angeles, as reported by meteorologists. This easily surpasses the previous daily record for this date, which was 88°F (31°C) and was set just last year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were labeled on NWS charts for the region.
Public Health Warnings
Authorities cautioned that Friday's conditions posed an "higher threat for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their recommendations included:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Not leaving anyone unattended in a parked vehicle.
A Dramatic Shift
This sharp rise in mercury comes on the heels of a intense winter storm that pummeled the area earlier in the week. That storm brought high winds, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall to the mountains, leading to flash flood warnings for millions residents.
Sadly, the severe weather also resulted in a deadly avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which claimed the lives of.
Temperatures Easing
The outlook suggests a cooldown is expected. Readings were predicted to decrease to around 61°F (16°C) in central Los Angeles by overnight.
Several cities that reached ninety degrees were Long Beach, Burbank, and Woodland Hills. Elsewhere, Oxnard, Westwood, Camarillo, and Santa Maria were projected to reach the upper eighties.
For the weekend, central LA can anticipate temperatures in the eighties, with cooler weather likely for the start of March.
