The last week of winter will feel like summer, with a rare and dangerous heat wave in the 80s and 90s that threatens to break daily heat records across Santa Barbara County.

A heat advisory is already in effect through Friday night, and National Weather Service forecasters expect some relief this weekend before an extremely rare, long heat wave next week. 

Higher-than-normal temperatures are expected next week from Monday through Friday. 

“This is most likely the hottest March period that we’ve seen since 1988, when a lot of longtime March (heat) records were set,” meteorologist Ryan Kittell said. 

“It’s a dangerous situation. Even though we do see temperatures like this later in summer and fall most years, it’s extremely rare for March and it does take time for people to acclimate to the weather.” 

There is a high risk of heat illness for everyone, because the high temperatures could be 25-35 degrees above normal and it is a long duration heat wave, he said.

Vulnerable populations are even more at risk of heat illness, including the very old, the very young and people active outdoors, he said. 

The forecast as of now shows daytime high temperatures in the 80s next week for the Santa Barbara South Coast and the Lompoc Valley. 

The daytime high temperatures will reach into the 90s for the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valleys, according to the National Weather Service forecast. 

The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat watch for Monday through Friday, and may issue more urgent heat-related warnings next week.  

Check the latest weather forecast for your area and weather-related alerts. 

Coastal areas may have milder weather than inland areas, but homes there rarely have air conditioning, Kittell noted. 

Overnight temperatures may not offer much relief from the heat in foothill and Santa Ynez Mountains areas. It could be in the 70s or even lower 80s at night, which “really ratchets up the risk” for those communities, Kittell said. 

Winter rains mean vegetation is generally still green and moist, so this heat wave is not expected to include a high risk of wildfires, according to Kittell. 

However, prolonged heat waves, especially absent any more rain storms, could cause the high fire season to start earlier this year, he added. 

Tips to Stay Safe in the Heat

The county Office of Emergency Management issued tips to stay safe during hot weather: 

• Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. If you have fluid restrictions from your doctor, ask to see how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Take care of those who might not be aware of high temperature dangers or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets. Check on your neighbors.
• Limit outdoor activity. Try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, like morning and evening hours. Be sure to wear sunscreen and rest often.
• For those who work outside, be sure to take frequent rest breaks in a shaded area or air-conditioned room, if possible. Stay hydrated and take action by moving to a cooler space if you feel signs of heat exhaustion.
• Take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room. A few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Taking a cool shower or bath can help too.
• If you do not have air‐conditioning, consider arranging to spend at least parts of the day at another space that is cool. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing works best.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, or sweats heavily, find a cooler location for him or her immediately.
• Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but also include hot, flushed skin. With heat stroke, the person often stops sweating and the skin will be unusually dry. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening!
• Do not leave children (and pets) unattended in vehicles. It only takes a matter of minutes on a relatively mild day for a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures.