Southern California Battles Unprecedented Heat Only One Week After Severe Winter Storm.
Following a week of heavy downpours that caused flooding across parts of the city, LA is now grappling with abnormally warm weather for the end of February.
Record-Setting Heat
On Friday midday, the temperature soared to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in the city center, as reported by weather officials. This breaks the previous daily record for February 27th, which was 88°F (31°C) and was set in 2025.
"Unusually high temperatures" were labeled on NWS maps for the region.
Public Health Alerts
The weather service issued a warning that Friday's heat posed an "elevated risk for heat illness" for vulnerable populations. Their recommendations suggested:
- Staying hydrated.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Ensuring you do not leave children or pets unattended in a hot car.
A Sharp Shift
This sharp rise in temperature comes on the heels of a intense storm system that struck the state recently. That storm brought thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow to the mountains, causing evacuation orders for many residents.
Unfortunately, the conditions also resulted in a large avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, which claimed the lives of.
Temperatures Easing
The outlook suggests cooler conditions is expected. Temperatures were predicted to drop to around 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) in central Los Angeles by overnight.
Several cities that hit the 90-degree mark included Long Beach, Burbank, and Woodland Hills. Elsewhere, Westwood, Camarillo, Santa Maria, and Oxnard were forecast to see the high eighties.
For the weekend, downtown LA can expect temperatures in the 80s, with mid-70s temperatures likely for the start of March.