LA Experiences Historic High Temperatures Just One Week After Major Winter Storm.
Following a week of significant rainfall that resulted in floodwaters across parts of the city, Los Angeles is now grappling with unusually hot temperatures for late February.
Record-Shattering Readings
On Friday midday, the temperature soared to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in central LA, according to the National Weather Service. This breaks the old record for this date, which was 88°F (31°C) and was established just last year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were labeled on official maps for the region.
Public Health Warnings
The weather service issued a warning that Friday's weather posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their recommendations suggested:
- Staying hydrated.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Not leaving kids or animals unattended in a parked vehicle.
An Extreme Reversal
This sharp rise in temperature follows closely after a powerful winter storm that pummeled the state last week. That system unleashed thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to higher elevations, leading to flash flood warnings for millions residents.
Unfortunately, the severe weather also caused a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Temperatures Easing
Forecasters predict a cooldown is expected. Temperatures were forecast to fall to around 61°F (16°C) in the city by late Friday.
Other locales that reached 90°F were Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Elsewhere, Oxnard, Westwood, Camarillo, and Santa Maria were expected to see the high eighties.
Over Saturday and Sunday, downtown Los Angeles can see temperatures in the eighties, with a further cooldown expected for the following week.
