90-Degree Temperatures Expected on South Coast on Monday

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By William M. Macfadyen, Noozhawk Publisher | @noozhawk

Heat wave forecast to break Wednesday but officials warn of wildfire risks

Temperatures well above normal are expected Monday and Tuesday in Santa Barbara County, and authorities are asking residents to be alert for wildfire danger.

The National Weather Service said Sunday that the combination of an upper-level high-pressure system and light offshore breezes will likely push temperatures into the 80s and lower 90s along the South Coast on Monday and Tuesday and above 100 in the Santa Ynez Valley and the backcountry.

Weather officials said the hottest and driest day will be Monday, which will see coastal temperatures in the 90s and inland temperatures in the 100s. By Tuesday, the winds are forecast to reverse to an onshore direction, cooling things down to the mid-80s. Beginning Wednesday, daytime temperatures in the mid-70s are expected, several degrees below normal.

Although a red-flag warning has been issued for Monday and Tuesday in Ventura County, where wind gusts as high as 30 mph are forecast, no such designation has been made for Santa Barbara County. Still, authorities warned that humidity in the single digits, very dry vegetation and breezy conditions increase the risk of wildfire.

The weather service is advising that residents and visitors wait for the coolest parts of the day for strenuous activities, drink plenty of fluids, and check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly.

Authorities issued a reminder to never leave children or pets unattended in a locked vehicle, even if windows are partially open. Temperatures inside can rise to dangerous — and possibly fatal — levels in just a few minutes.

» Click here for the complete National Weather Service forecast.

» Click here for the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services. Click here to sign up for the OES’ messaging service. Follow the OES on Facebook.

— Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.

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