The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for Tuesday through Thursday for parts of southwest California. Temperatures have the potential to range from the mid-80s to low 90s in coastal areas, while inland areas could soar from the mid-90s up to 108 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for Tuesday through Thursday for parts of southwest California. Temperatures have the potential to range from the mid-80s to low 90s in coastal areas, while inland areas could soar from the mid-90s up to 108 degrees. Credit: National Weather Service graphic

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for Santa Barbara County from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Thursday, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees higher than normal possible.

The watch is in place to warn people to be prepared for potentially high temperatures across most of Santa Barbara County, excluding some areas such as Lompoc.

Temperatures have the potential to range from the mid-80s to low 90s in coastal areas, while inland areas could soar from the mid-90s up to 108 degrees, meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld said.

Elevated humidity will amplify heat effects and overnight lows, especially in coastal areas that are used to seeing cooler temperatures.

Heat-related illnesses are possible for some of the population. Vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly and people without air conditioning or proper hydration, should be aware of the extreme heat watch.

“We encourage people to start thinking about plans during this time, looking into cooling centers, checking up on neighbors and relatives, and overall being prepared for high temperatures,” Schoenfeld said.

A heat advisory also remains in place for the interior mountains of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as the San Fernando, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita, Cuyama and San Luis Obispo interior valleys.

A heat advisory remains in place for the interior mountains of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as the San Fernando, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita, Cuyama and San Luis Obispo interior valleys.
A heat advisory remains in place for the interior mountains of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as the San Fernando, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita, Cuyama and San Luis Obispo interior valleys. Credit: National Weather Service graphic

The following are tips from the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management 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, such as 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 them 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 takes only a matter of minutes on a relatively mild day for a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures.
An extreme heat watch has been issued for parts of southwest California, including Santa Barbara County.
An extreme heat watch has been issued for parts of southwest California, including Santa Barbara County. Credit: National Weather Service graphic

Michael Spanjol is a Noozhawk Summer 2026 intern.