LA Experiences Record-Breaking Heat Only One Week After Severe Winter Storm.
After enduring heavy downpours that caused flooding across parts of the city, LA is now seeing abnormally warm temperatures for late February.
All-Time High Heat
By Friday afternoon, the thermometer soared to 91°F (33°C) in central LA, according to the National Weather Service. This breaks the prior high for February 27th, which was eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and was set just last year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were labeled on official maps for the region.
Public Health Alerts
Authorities stated that Friday's conditions posed an "increased danger for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their advice suggested:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Ensuring you do not leave children or pets unattended in a hot car.
A Sharp Reversal
This dramatic increase in temperature comes on the heels of a intense winter storm that battered the area last week. That event unleashed high winds, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall to mountainous regions, causing mudslide risks for many residents.
Sadly, the conditions also caused a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Forecast Ahead
Forecasters predict a cooldown is expected. Readings were expected to drop to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in central Los Angeles by Friday night.
Additional areas that reached 90°F were Woodland Hills, Long Beach, and Burbank. Additionally, Oxnard, Westwood, Camarillo, and Santa Maria were forecast to reach the high 80s.
Over Saturday and Sunday, downtown LA can see temperatures in the eighties, with cooler weather likely for the week ahead.