Southern California Experiences Record-Breaking Heat Just Days Following Major Winter Storm.
Following a week of torrential rains that resulted in floodwaters across areas in the city, Los Angeles is now confronting unseasonably hot conditions for this time of year.
Record-Setting Heat
On Friday midday, the temperature climbed to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in the city center, according to the National Weather Service. This breaks the previous daily record for this date, which was 31 degrees Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) and was recorded just last year.
"Unusually high temperatures" were highlighted on forecast maps for the region.
Safety Alerts
Authorities issued a warning that Friday's weather posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for people sensitive to heat. Their recommendations included:
- Staying hydrated.
- Limiting outdoor activities during the afternoon hours of the day.
- Not leaving kids or animals unattended in a parked vehicle.
A Dramatic Reversal
This dramatic increase in heat comes on the heels of a massive winter storm that battered the area recently. That storm unleashed high winds, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall to mountainous regions, causing flash flood warnings for many residents.
Tragically, the storm also triggered a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe area, which resulted in nine fatalities.
Forecast Ahead
The outlook suggests cooler conditions is expected. Temperatures were forecast to decrease to around 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) in the city by Friday night.
Several cities that reached the 90-degree mark included Burbank, Woodland Hills, and Long Beach. Additionally, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westwood were forecast to experience the high eighties.
In the coming days, downtown Los Angeles can expect weather in the 80s, with cooler weather likely for the following week.
