Southern California Experiences Historic Heat Only One Week After Severe Winter Weather.
Following a week of torrential rains that resulted in floodwaters across sections of the city, LA is now seeing unseasonably high temperatures for late February.
Record-Setting Temperatures
By Friday afternoon, the temperature soared to 91°F (33°C) in the city center, per data from meteorologists. This exceeds the previous daily record for February 27th, which was 88°F (31°C) and was recorded in the previous year.
"Unusually high temperatures" were highlighted on NWS charts for the region.
Safety Advisories
The weather service stated that Friday's weather posed an "increased danger for heat illness" for those at risk. Their advice suggested:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day.
- Not leaving children or pets unattended in a hot car.
A Dramatic Shift
This sudden spike in mercury follows closely after a massive storm system that battered the region last week. That system delivered heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms to mountainous regions, leading to evacuation orders for millions residents.
Tragically, the conditions also triggered a large avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Temperatures Easing
Looking ahead a cooldown will arrive. Readings were expected to drop to around 61°F (16°C) in downtown LA by late Friday.
Additional areas that experienced 90°F featured Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Meanwhile, Oxnard, Westwood, Camarillo, and Santa Maria were forecast to reach the high 80s.
Over Saturday and Sunday, central Los Angeles can see temperatures in the 80s, with cooler weather expected for the start of March.
