Southern California Experiences Record-Breaking High Temperatures Just Days After Severe Winter Weather.
Following a week of torrential rains that caused flooding across parts of the city, LA is now grappling with abnormally warm temperatures for the end of February.
Record-Shattering Readings
On Friday midday, the temperature reached ninety-one degrees Fahrenheit in downtown Los Angeles, as reported by weather officials. This easily surpasses the old record for this date, which was 31 degrees Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) and was established just last year.
"Very warm conditions" were highlighted on NWS maps for the region.
Safety Alerts
Authorities issued a warning that Friday's conditions posed an "higher threat for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their guidance featured:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day.
- Never leaving children or pets unattended in a car.
A Dramatic Weather Swing
This sudden spike in mercury comes on the heels of a powerful winter storm that struck the region last week. That event brought heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms to higher elevations, triggering flash flood warnings for millions residents.
Unfortunately, the conditions also resulted in a massive avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which claimed the lives of.
Temperatures Easing
Looking ahead cooler conditions will arrive. Readings were expected to fall to around 61°F (16°C) in central Los Angeles by late Friday.
Several cities that experienced 90°F were Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Additionally, Oxnard, Westwood, Camarillo, and Santa Maria were expected to see the upper eighties.
Over Saturday and Sunday, downtown Los Angeles can expect readings in the eighties, with a further cooldown expected for the start of March.
