Southern California Faces Historic Heat Just One Week Following Severe Winter Weather.
In the wake of heavy downpours that caused flooding across areas in the city, Los Angeles is now confronting unseasonably high temperatures for the end of February.
Record-Shattering Heat
During the day Friday, the temperature reached 91°F (33°C) in the city center, as reported by the National Weather Service. This easily surpasses the old record for February 27th, which was 88°F (31°C) and was established in the previous year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were highlighted on NWS graphics for the region.
Safety Alerts
Authorities cautioned that Friday's weather posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for people sensitive to heat. Their guidance included:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Never leaving children or pets unattended in a car.
An Extreme Shift
This dramatic increase in heat follows closely after a powerful storm system that pummeled the state last week. That system delivered thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to the mountains, triggering mudslide risks for countless residents.
Sadly, the storm also resulted in a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Weekend Outlook
The outlook suggests a cooldown will arrive. The heat were expected to fall to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in central Los Angeles by overnight.
Other locales that hit the 90-degree mark included Woodland Hills, Long Beach, and Burbank. Additionally, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were projected to experience the high eighties.
In the coming days, downtown Los Angeles can see readings in the 80s, with cooler weather on tap for the start of March.
