Los Angeles Swelters in Record February Heat Following Winter Storm
LA Hits Record Heat After Winter Storm, NWS Issues Warnings

Los Angeles Swelters in Record February Heat Following Winter Storm

After enduring a week of heavy downpours that led to significant flooding in parts of the city, Los Angeles is now grappling with unusually high temperatures for late February, setting new daily records and prompting health warnings from authorities.

Record-Breaking Temperatures and Health Risks

By mid-afternoon on Friday, the temperature in downtown Los Angeles soared to 91°F (33°C), as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS). This surpasses the previous daily record for 27 February, which was 88°F (31°C) set just last year. The NWS forecast office in Los Angeles has labeled these conditions as "very warm" on their website, highlighting an elevated risk for heat-related illnesses among sensitive populations.

The NWS issued a warning advising residents to:

  • Stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Limit outdoor activities during the hottest afternoon hours.
  • Avoid leaving children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.

Context of Recent Severe Weather

This sudden spike in temperatures follows a massive winter storm that battered California early last week, bringing thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snowfall to mountain regions. Millions of residents in Los Angeles County were placed under flash flood warnings as relentless rain pounded the area. Neighborhoods still recovering from last year's devastating wildfires also faced evacuation warnings due to the risk of mud and debris flows.

Tragically, the winter storm triggered a massive avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area, resulting in nine fatalities.

Forecast and Regional Impact

According to the NWS, temperatures are expected to ease slightly on Friday night, with a low of 61°F (16°C) forecast for downtown Los Angeles. Other areas experiencing temperatures around 90°F today include:

  • Long Beach
  • Burbank
  • Woodland Hills

Locations such as Oxnard, Westwood (home to the University of California at Los Angeles), Camarillo, and Santa Maria are projected to reach the high 80s. Over the weekend, downtown Los Angeles is likely to see temperatures in the 80s, with the upcoming week bringing milder conditions in the mid-70s.

This extreme weather pattern underscores the volatile climate conditions affecting the West Coast, with rapid shifts from winter storms to unseasonable heat posing ongoing challenges for public safety and infrastructure.