Southern California Battles Unprecedented High Temperatures Only Days After Severe Winter Storm.
Following a week of significant rainfall that caused flooding across parts of the city, the City of Angels is now seeing abnormally high weather for the end of February.
Record-Shattering Readings
On Friday midday, the temperature reached 91°F (33°C) in the city center, as reported by meteorologists. This exceeds the prior high for February 27th, which was eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and was recorded just last year.
"Exceptionally warm weather" were labeled on forecast graphics for the region.
Safety Advisories
Authorities issued a warning that Friday's conditions posed an "higher threat for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their guidance included:
- Staying hydrated.
- Reducing outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day.
- Never leaving kids or animals unattended in a hot car.
A Dramatic Shift
This sudden spike in temperature comes on the heels of a massive storm system that struck the state recently. That system brought heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms to higher elevations, causing evacuation orders for millions residents.
Tragically, the conditions also resulted in a deadly avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Forecast Ahead
The outlook suggests cooler conditions is expected. Readings were expected to decrease to around sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in downtown LA by overnight.
Several cities that experienced 90°F featured Woodland Hills, Long Beach, and Burbank. Elsewhere, Oxnard, Westwood, Camarillo, and Santa Maria were expected to experience the upper eighties.
Over Saturday and Sunday, downtown Los Angeles can see temperatures in the eighties, with a further cooldown expected for the week ahead.
