A heat wave is welcoming Santa Barbara County to the spring season, with temperatures in the 80s forecast for the week, according to the National Weather Service.

This winter, the region saw heavy rain in December followed by several dry months and some record-breaking heat in early February.

Sunday was the first day of spring. 

This week’s daytime highs are expected to hit the 80s on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for most of the county, including the Santa Maria Valley, the Santa Ynez Valley and the South Coast.

The Lompoc Valley is likely to see highs in the high 70s, according to the NWS.

Weather will cool down for the weekend, and there’s a slight chance of rain on Sunday, the National Weather Service says.

“High pressure will build up on Monday through Wednesday, leading to a significant warm up with record high temperatures possible,” the NWS said in its forecast discussion.

“A cool down is expected late week into the weekend as high pressure weakens.”

Click here to read the latest Santa Barbara weather forecast.

Click here to read the latest Santa Maria weather forecast. 

— Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.

Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com.