Los Angeles Experiences Record-Breaking Heat Only One Week After Severe Winter Weather.
Following a week of significant rainfall that caused flooding across areas in the city, the City of Angels is now grappling with unseasonably hot conditions for this time of year.
All-Time High Readings
By Friday afternoon, the thermometer climbed to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in downtown Los Angeles, as reported by weather officials. This exceeds the old record for February 27th, which was 31 degrees Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) and was established in the previous year.
"Unusually high temperatures" were highlighted on forecast graphics for the region.
Safety Alerts
Forecasters issued a warning that Friday's conditions posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for people sensitive to heat. Their guidance suggested:
- Keeping well-hydrated.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Ensuring you do not leave kids or animals unattended in a car.
A Dramatic Shift
This sharp rise in temperature comes on the heels of a massive storm system that pummeled the state recently. That event delivered heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms to mountainous regions, leading to mudslide risks for countless residents.
Tragically, the severe weather also resulted in a massive avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Temperatures Easing
Forecasters predict a cooldown will arrive. Temperatures were forecast to fall to around 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) in central Los Angeles by late Friday.
Other locales that experienced 90°F were Woodland Hills, Long Beach, and Burbank. Elsewhere, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were forecast to reach the high eighties.
For the weekend, downtown Los Angeles can anticipate weather in the 80s, with mid-70s temperatures likely for the week ahead.
