Southern California Battles Unprecedented High Temperatures Only One Week Following Severe Winter Storm.
After enduring heavy downpours that resulted in floodwaters across parts of the city, Los Angeles is now grappling with unusually high conditions for late February.
Record-Shattering Temperatures
By Friday afternoon, the mercury climbed to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in the city center, as reported by meteorologists. This exceeds the prior high for this date, which was 88°F (31°C) and was established in the previous year.
"Very warm conditions" were labeled on NWS charts for the region.
Safety Advisories
Authorities cautioned that Friday's heat posed an "higher threat for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their guidance included:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Reducing outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day.
- Not leaving children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.
A Sharp Weather Swing
This sharp rise in heat arrives just after a intense winter storm that battered the area last week. That system brought thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to mountainous regions, leading to mudslide risks for millions residents.
Sadly, the severe weather also triggered a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Temperatures Easing
Forecasters predict some relief is coming. Readings were expected to drop to around 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) in the city by Friday night.
Several cities that hit 90°F featured Woodland Hills, Long Beach, and Burbank. Elsewhere, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were expected to experience the high eighties.
Over Saturday and Sunday, central LA can expect readings in the eighties, with cooler weather expected for the start of March.
