Southern California Experiences Record-Breaking Heat Only One Week Following Severe Winter Storm.
Following a week of heavy downpours that resulted in floodwaters across areas in the city, LA is now confronting abnormally high conditions for late February.
Record-Shattering Readings
By Friday afternoon, the temperature reached 91°F (33°C) in downtown Los Angeles, as reported by the National Weather Service. This breaks the previous daily record for this date, which was eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and was set in the previous year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were noted on NWS graphics for the region.
Public Health Warnings
Forecasters cautioned that Friday's weather posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for those at risk. Their guidance featured:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Not leaving children or pets unattended in a car.
A Sharp Shift
This dramatic increase in temperature follows closely after a massive winter storm that pummeled the state earlier in the week. That event unleashed thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to mountainous regions, triggering flash flood warnings for many residents.
Sadly, the severe weather also triggered a massive avalanche in the Tahoe area, which claimed the lives of.
Weekend Outlook
The outlook suggests some relief is expected. Readings were forecast to decrease to around 61°F (16°C) in downtown LA by late Friday.
Other locales that hit 90°F were Long Beach, Burbank, and Woodland Hills. Additionally, Westwood, Camarillo, Santa Maria, and Oxnard were forecast to experience the high 80s.
For the weekend, downtown LA can expect readings in the eighties, with mid-70s temperatures expected for the start of March.
