Southern California Battles Unprecedented High Temperatures Just One Week After Major Winter Weather.
Following a week of significant rainfall that resulted in floodwaters across sections of the city, the City of Angels is now seeing unseasonably high conditions for the end of February.
Record-Setting Temperatures
On Friday midday, the temperature reached 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in downtown Los Angeles, as reported by weather officials. This easily surpasses the prior high for this date, which was 88°F (31°C) and was recorded in the previous year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were labeled on official graphics for the region.
Public Health Warnings
The weather service issued a warning that Friday's conditions posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for people sensitive to heat. Their guidance included:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day.
- Ensuring you do not leave kids or animals unattended in a parked vehicle.
An Extreme Reversal
This dramatic increase in heat comes on the heels of a powerful winter storm that battered the area recently. That system delivered thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to the mountains, causing mudslide risks for many residents.
Sadly, the storm also resulted in a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Temperatures Easing
Looking ahead some relief is expected. Temperatures were predicted to decrease to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in central Los Angeles by overnight.
Several cities that experienced the 90-degree mark featured Long Beach, Burbank, and Woodland Hills. Meanwhile, Oxnard, Westwood, Camarillo, and Santa Maria were forecast to experience the upper eighties.
For the weekend, central Los Angeles can expect weather in the 80s, with cooler weather on tap for the start of March.
