Santa Barbara County will warm through the weekend before temperatures begin to cool on Tuesday, leading into a wet pattern with potential rain arriving next week, according to the National Weather Service.

High temperatures are expected to reach the 80s across much of the county this weekend, with low 90s possible in the Santa Ynez Valley on Sunday and Monday, according to NWS meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld.

“We’re looking at a pretty good warming trend and around a 30% chance of heat advisories for coast and valley areas,” Schoenfeld said. 

The South Coast, including Santa Barbara and Goleta, will see highs in the upper-70s Saturday, warming into the low to mid-80s Sunday. Monday is expected to be the warmest day, with highs in the mid-to-upper-80s. Temperatures will ease into the mid-70s by Tuesday.

In Santa Maria, highs will reach the low-to-mid-80s on Saturday, rising into the upper-80s by Monday. Forecasts call for a cooldown starting Tuesday, with Veterans Day highs in the mid-70s. 

Temperatures in the Santa Ynez Valley will climb into the upper-80s over the weekend, with low-90s possible on Monday. Tuesday is expected to be noticeably cooler, with highs dropping back into the low-80s.

Winds & Fire Weather Conditions

Gusty north to northeast winds are expected Friday night across parts of southern Santa Barbara County, with isolated gusts up to 45 mph in the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains.

Schoenfeld said the winds may not be noticeable in most populated areas but could be stronger in interior and higher elevation zones.

Sundowner winds are also possible along the South Coast, though that chance is expected to drop over the weekend.

Warm, dry conditions will linger through early next week, but fire weather impacts in Santa Barbara County are expected to be limited.

Schoenfeld said red flag warnings are not anticipated locally and that the highest concern remains in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Surf Advisory Through Saturday

A high rip current risk will remain in effect along the South County coastline through Saturday, with surf between 3 and 5 feet and occasional sets up to 6 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions are expected to calm by Sunday.

Check the latest Santa Barbara County weather forecasts and alerts here.

Potential for Rainstorm Next Week

Rain is possible in Santa Barbara County as early as Wednesday night, though forecasters say the highest likelihood for widespread rainfall falls between Thursday and Saturday.

“We’re looking at about a 90% chance of widespread rain sometime in that window,” Schoenfeld said, adding that confidence in the exact timing and rain totals remains low.

The most likely outcome, she said, would bring 1 to 2 inches to most areas, with 2 to 4 inches possible along foothills and mountain slopes.

Schoenfeld said that there is also a 30% chance the storm could end up being stronger than expected, bringing heavier rainfall to the county.

Forecasters expect a clearer picture of the system’s strength and track by Tuesday, she said.

Check the latest weather forecasts and weather-related alerts and advisories here.