Los Angeles Battles Historic High Temperatures Just One Week After Major Winter Weather.
After enduring torrential rains that resulted in floodwaters across sections of the city, LA is now seeing abnormally high conditions for the end of February.
Record-Shattering Readings
On Friday midday, the mercury soared to 91°F (33°C) in the city center, according to meteorologists. This easily surpasses the prior high for this date, which was 88°F (31°C) and was set in the previous year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were highlighted on NWS graphics for the region.
Safety Advisories
Forecasters stated that Friday's heat posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for those at risk. Their guidance featured:
- Keeping well-hydrated.
- Reducing outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day.
- Never leaving children or pets unattended in a car.
A Dramatic Shift
This sudden spike in temperature follows closely after a powerful storm system that struck the region earlier in the week. That system unleashed high winds, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall to the mountains, leading to evacuation orders for millions residents.
Tragically, the severe weather also resulted in a large avalanche in the Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Weekend Outlook
Forecasters predict some relief will arrive. The heat were forecast to fall to around 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) in downtown LA by late Friday.
Other locales that reached the 90-degree mark included Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Additionally, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were forecast to reach the high eighties.
In the coming days, central LA can anticipate readings in the eighties, with mid-70s temperatures expected for the start of March.
