Southern California Faces Record-Breaking High Temperatures Only One Week After Major Winter Weather.
Following a week of significant rainfall that caused flooding across sections of the city, Los Angeles is now confronting abnormally warm temperatures for late February.
Record-Shattering Readings
By Friday afternoon, the temperature climbed to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in downtown Los Angeles, according to the National Weather Service. This breaks the prior high for this date, which was eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and was set in the previous year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were highlighted on NWS graphics for the region.
Safety Warnings
Forecasters issued a warning that Friday's weather posed an "higher threat for heat illness" for people sensitive to heat. Their guidance suggested:
- Keeping well-hydrated.
- 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 dramatic increase in heat comes on the heels of a intense storm system that pummeled the region earlier in the week. That storm brought high winds, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall to higher elevations, triggering mudslide risks for many residents.
Tragically, the conditions also resulted in a massive avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Weekend Outlook
Looking ahead some relief is expected. Readings were expected to decrease to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in central Los Angeles by late Friday.
Other locales that reached 90°F featured Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Additionally, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were projected to experience the high eighties.
In the coming days, downtown LA can see readings in the eighties, with mid-70s temperatures likely for the week ahead.
