Los Angeles Battles Record-Breaking Heat Only Days Following Major Winter Weather.
Following a week of heavy downpours that caused flooding across areas in the city, the City of Angels is now seeing unseasonably hot temperatures for this time of year.
Record-Setting Readings
During the day Friday, the temperature climbed to 91°F (33°C) in downtown Los Angeles, according to the National Weather Service. This exceeds the prior high for February 27th, which was eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and was set just last year.
"Very warm conditions" were noted on official maps for the region.
Safety Alerts
The weather service issued a warning that Friday's heat posed an "increased danger for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their guidance suggested:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Reducing outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day.
- Never leaving anyone unattended in a car.
A Sharp Shift
This dramatic increase in heat comes on the heels of a intense storm system that pummeled the area recently. That event brought thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to mountainous regions, triggering evacuation orders for millions residents.
Unfortunately, the conditions also triggered a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which left nine people dead from.
Weekend Outlook
Forecasters predict some relief is expected. Readings were forecast to decrease to around 61°F (16°C) in central Los Angeles by overnight.
Additional areas that hit the 90-degree mark featured Long Beach, Burbank, and Woodland Hills. Additionally, Westwood, Camarillo, Santa Maria, and Oxnard were expected to experience the upper eighties.
In the coming days, central LA can anticipate temperatures in the eighties, with a further cooldown expected for the following week.