Southern California Faces Unprecedented Heat Only One Week After Severe Winter Storm.
In the wake of torrential rains that resulted in floodwaters across areas in the city, Los Angeles is now confronting abnormally hot weather for this time of year.
Record-Setting Temperatures
During the day Friday, the thermometer reached 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in the city center, as reported by weather officials. This breaks the prior high for February 27th, which was 88°F (31°C) and was established just last year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were highlighted on forecast maps for the region.
Public Health Advisories
The weather service cautioned that Friday's weather posed an "increased danger for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their advice suggested:
- Staying hydrated.
- Reducing outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Never leaving anyone unattended in a car.
A Dramatic Shift
This sharp rise in mercury arrives just after a massive winter storm that struck the area earlier in the week. That system delivered thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to higher elevations, leading to mudslide risks for many residents.
Tragically, the severe weather also triggered a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Weekend Outlook
Forecasters predict some relief will arrive. Readings were predicted to decrease to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in downtown LA by overnight.
Other locales that hit 90°F included Long Beach, Burbank, and Woodland Hills. Meanwhile, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were projected to experience the upper eighties.
In the coming days, central Los Angeles can see weather in the 80s, with mid-70s temperatures on tap for the start of March.
