Santa Barbara County is experiencing a long-duration heat event with a heat advisory in effect through Monday. 

Temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday, at about 6-12 degrees above normal temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

Santa Barbara will see daytime highs around 87 degrees while the Santa Ynez Valley will reach 97 degrees. Hot weather and relatively high humidity increase the risk of heat illness, and residents should expect to feel “hot and muggy,” according to the National Weather Service.

The South Coast should expect sundowner winds, which are expected to peak Wednesday night.

Meteorologist Bryan Lewis said the winds will be focused between San Marcos Pass and the Gaviota area, with winds in the 20-30 mph range and sustained gusts up to 50 mph. The Santa Ynez Valley will see 15-25 mph winds and gusts up to 40 mph.

Lewis said by Thursday night, “everything will be down a peg,” with temperature decreasing by 10 degrees and wind decreasing by 10 miles per hour.

While residents may feel the humidity, Lewis said the sundowner winds will dry out the area and drop relative humidity to the 20-30% range.

Despite red flag warnings being only 10-20% likely, meteorologists warn residents of critical fire conditions due to poor humidity recovery during the night alongside the high daytime temperatures.

Southern California Edison had public safety power shutoffs in effect for about 200 customers in along the Gaviota Coast and may shut off power to more local residents, according to the company’s Outage Map.

Strong rip currents and elevated surf caused by southerly swells are expected at local beaches, and those conditions are expected to persist through next week. 

Santa Barbara County’s ReadySBC.org website states that residents in need of relief can access community-based cooling options such as malls, libraries, parks, movie theaters and beaches.

The county gave tips to stay cool, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding hazardous activity, and frequent breaks for those working outside.

Additionally, the county stated electric fans may provide comfort but won’t prevent heat-related illness if the temperature is in the high-90s.