Santa Barbara's Arroyo Burro Beach was packed on Tuesday.
Santa Barbara's Arroyo Burro Beach was packed on Tuesday. Areas along California's coast, from Paso Robles to downtown Los Angeles, broke March 17 heat records. Credit: Evelyn Spence / Noozhawk photo

Santa Barbara and Santa Maria on Tuesday both beat previous heat records for March 17.

Other areas along California’s coast, from Paso Robles to downtown Los Angeles, also broke heat records, according to the National Weather Service.

“It was a record kind of day today,” National Weather Service officials said.

The Santa Barbara Airport at 500 James Fowler Road saw a high of 91 degrees, breaking 1947’s record of 87, according to meteorologist Bryan Lewis.

The Santa Maria Airport at 3217 Terminal Drive recorded a high of 95 degrees, breaking the previous record of 85 set in 1978. 

Santa Maria also tied its previous all-time March heat record from 2015.

Lewis had said earlier on Tuesday that both areas were poised to “smash” daily heat records.

The National Weather Service had predicted a rare, dangerous March heat wave for Santa Barbara County and other areas along the Central Coast this week. Residents should limit strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The National Weather Service had predicted a rare, dangerous March heat wave for Santa Barbara County and other areas along the Central Coast this week. Residents should limit strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Credit: National Weather Service graphic

A Heat Advisory for most valleys, lower mountain and inland coastal areas in southwest California will remain in effect through 8 p.m. Friday. 

The National Weather Service had predicted a rare, dangerous March heat wave for Santa Barbara County and other areas along the Central Coast this week. 

Daily — and possibly monthly — record-breaking temperatures are expected. 

Meteorologist Ryan Kittell previously told Noozhawk that this week will likely be “ the hottest March period that we’ve seen since 1988, when a lot of longtime March (heat) records were set.” 

Kittell said these numbers are “extremely rare” for March. 

A pup rolls in the dirt, taking a break from its walk at shady Douglas Preserve.
A pup rolls in the dirt, taking a break from its walk at shady Douglas Family Preserve in Santa Barbara on Tuesday. Credit: Evelyn Spence / Noozhawk photo

National Weather Service officials said there is a high risk of dangerous heat illness for people of all ages, but especially for children and the elderly. 

Residents are advised to stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and drink fluids. They should also limit strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Leadbetter Beach was still crowded at sunset Tuesday.
Leadbetter Beach was still crowded at sunset Tuesday. Credit: Peter Hartmann / Noozhawk photo

— Noozhawk South County editor Evelyn Spence can be reached at espence@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.