Southern California Battles Unprecedented Heat Just Days After Major Winter Storm.
In the wake of torrential rains that caused flooding across areas in the city, the City of Angels is now seeing unseasonably hot temperatures for late February.
Record-Setting Heat
During the day Friday, the temperature soared to 91°F (33°C) in downtown Los Angeles, according to weather officials. This exceeds the prior high for this date, which was eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and was established in the previous year.
"Unusually high temperatures" were highlighted on forecast graphics for the region.
Public Health Warnings
Authorities cautioned that Friday's weather posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for those at risk. Their guidance suggested:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Ensuring you do not leave kids or animals unattended in a hot car.
A Dramatic Weather Swing
This sudden spike in temperature follows closely after a powerful storm system that struck the region earlier in the week. That storm unleashed heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms to the mountains, causing evacuation orders for many residents.
Unfortunately, the conditions also resulted in a massive avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Weekend Outlook
The outlook suggests cooler conditions is coming. Temperatures were expected to drop to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in downtown LA by late Friday.
Additional areas that experienced the 90-degree mark were Woodland Hills, Long Beach, and Burbank. Additionally, Westwood, Camarillo, Santa Maria, and Oxnard were forecast to see the upper eighties.
For the weekend, downtown Los Angeles can see weather in the 80s, with a further cooldown expected for the start of March.