Southern California Faces Unprecedented Heat Just One Week After Severe Winter Storm.
After enduring significant rainfall that led to inundation across areas in the city, LA is now grappling with unusually hot conditions for this time of year.
Record-Setting Heat
During the day Friday, the thermometer soared to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in downtown Los Angeles, according to the National Weather Service. This easily surpasses the prior high for this date, which was eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and was recorded just last year.
"Unusually high temperatures" were noted on official charts for the region.
Public Health Advisories
Forecasters stated that Friday's weather posed an "increased danger for heat illness" for those at risk. Their guidance included:
- Staying hydrated.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Never leaving anyone unattended in a parked vehicle.
A Dramatic Weather Swing
This sharp rise in heat comes on the heels of a powerful winter storm that pummeled the region recently. That event brought heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms to higher elevations, triggering mudslide risks for many residents.
Sadly, the storm also caused a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Forecast Ahead
Forecasters predict some relief is expected. Temperatures were predicted to fall to around 61°F (16°C) in central Los Angeles by overnight.
Additional areas that hit the 90-degree mark were Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Elsewhere, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were expected to see the upper eighties.
For the weekend, downtown LA can anticipate readings in the 80s, with a further cooldown on tap for the start of March.
