Southern California Battles Historic Heat Only One Week Following Major Winter Storm.
In the wake of significant rainfall that resulted in floodwaters across parts of the city, LA is now grappling with unusually hot temperatures for the end of February.
Record-Setting Heat
During the day Friday, the mercury soared to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in the city center, as reported by the National Weather Service. This exceeds the old record for this date, which was eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and was recorded just last year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were noted on official maps for the region.
Safety Advisories
Forecasters cautioned that Friday's conditions posed an "higher threat for heat illness" for people sensitive to heat. Their advice suggested:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Ensuring you do not leave anyone unattended in a car.
A Dramatic Shift
This sudden spike in temperature comes on the heels of a massive winter storm that struck the state recently. That storm unleashed high winds, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall to the mountains, causing mudslide risks for millions residents.
Sadly, the storm also caused a massive avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Weekend Outlook
Forecasters predict some relief is expected. Readings were predicted to drop to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in the city by late Friday.
Additional areas that hit the 90-degree mark included Long Beach, Burbank, and Woodland Hills. Elsewhere, Oxnard, Westwood, Camarillo, and Santa Maria were forecast to experience the high eighties.
For the weekend, central LA can anticipate readings in the eighties, with cooler weather expected for the following week.
