A rare February heat wave peaked in Southern California on Friday, breaking daily temperature records across the region, including in Los Angeles.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Forecasters with the National Weather Service predicted temperatures significantly above seasonal averages, potentially reaching the mid-90s in inland areas. Robbie Munroe, an NWS forecaster, stated, “It’s unusual to have 90s anywhere from December through February, at least. In fact, we’re in record-breaking territory today.”
Woodland Hills experienced the highest temperature recorded on Friday, reaching 97 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 92 degrees set in 1986. Daily records also fell in Downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Burbank.
Orange County saw Santa Ana reach 95 degrees, exceeding last year’s record of 93 degrees, whereas Anaheim hit 96 degrees, breaking the 2008 record of 88 degrees. In the Inland Empire, Massive Bear Lake recorded 70 degrees, besting the 1986 record of 67 degrees. Idyllwild reached 79 degrees, surpassing the 1986 record of 74 degrees, and Riverside hit 93 degrees, exceeding the 1972 record of 87 degrees.
Looking Ahead
Temperatures are expected to remain warm through Saturday, hovering in the 80s and 90s, before cooling into the 70s and 80s by Monday. Sunny skies are forecast, with potential wind gusts in mountain and foothill areas.
Riverside County may observe highs in the low to mid-90s on Friday, dropping to the high 80s on Saturday and mid-80s later in the week. San Bernardino is expected to reach the mid-80s on Friday, peaking around 91 or 92 degrees, and around 90 degrees on Saturday. Orange County can anticipate temperatures in the low to mid-90s on Friday, cooling to the upper 80s inland over the weekend. Los Angeles County will experience temperatures in the mid-80s and low 90s on Friday.
According to Munroe, “Today is actually the peak of the heat, and if you live near the coast, it might be the hottest you see already.” He added that Saturday will be warm but slightly cooler, especially near the coast, with temperatures returning to normal by Monday.
The unseasonably warm weather is attributed to high pressure over Southern California and offshore winds, which compress and heat the air as it descends from the mountains. A weak offshore flow also prevented the formation of a marine layer, contributing to higher temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the heat wave?
High pressure over Southern California and offshore winds are responsible for the unseasonably warm weather.
When will temperatures return to normal?
Temperatures are expected to mostly return to normal for this time of year by Monday, with most areas heading back down to the 70s.
Where were the highest temperatures recorded?
The highest temperature recorded on Friday was 97 degrees in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.
As temperatures remain elevated this weekend, how will residents adapt to these unusual conditions?
