Despite the end of a high surf warning, the National Weather Service warns residents that the surf is still higher than normal with an increased chance of riptides.
Despite the end of a high surf warning, the National Weather Service warns residents that the surf is still higher than normal with an increased chance of riptides. Credit: Daniel Green / Noozhawk photo

The high surf warning across the South Coast has ended, but officials are still warning residents of stronger waves than normal.

A beach hazards statement is in effect until 4 p.m. Sunday due to risks of riptides and breaking waves. According to the National Weather Service, western-facing beaches will be most affected.

After the high surf advisory ended, officials said the effects were mild. The Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol did not report any damage to buildings.

Ariel Cohen, a NWS meteorologist, said the elevated surf was within the expected margin and that there were only minor effects.

“(It was) exactly what we had expected (…) and we did indeed see minor coastal flooding and some of the more prone beaches and nearby parking lots and areas of beach erosion as well,” Cohen said.

The beaches along the Santa Barbara Harbor saw a higher surf than normal, but officials did not report any major impacts.

Along Goleta Beach Park, increased debris consisting of seaweed and shells could be seen along the coast, but no major damage.

Heading into next week, Cohen said the upcoming concern is fire weather, adding that the NWS is predicting an increase in Santa Ana winds.

At Goleta State Beach, the shore is littered with seaweed and shells washed up from the high surf.
At Goleta State Beach, the shore is littered with seaweed and shells washed up from the high surf. Credit: Daniel Green / Noozhawk photo

The increase in wind could make it easier for flames to spread and start wildfires.

“Just be very careful when we get to the period of time of potential critical fire weather conditions,” Cohen said. “Don’t do anything that would spark an ignition and be very careful when operating flammable material.”

New Year and New Weather

The next week is expected to bring some chance for rain over the weekend but should clear up heading into the new year.

In Santa Barbara, there is a 30% chance of rain Friday throughout the day and daytime temperatures are expected to reach the high 60s. Friday night should drop to the high 40s with some patchy fog.

On Saturday, residents are likely to see some patchy fog before clearing up later in the day. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 60s during the day and drop to the mid-40s later that night.

Sunday is expected to be sunny with temperatures in the high 60s. Sunday night will likely be clear, but temperatures will be in the high 40s.

Monday should be sunny for most of the day with temperatures in the mid-60s, according to the NWS forecast.

In the Buellton and Solvang area, residents can expect to see cloudy weather and a chance of rain on Thursday night. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 40s.

On Friday, there is a 40% chance of rain and temperatures in the high 60s. During the night, the temperature should drop to the high 40s, with some partly cloudy weather.

Saturday is expected to clear up with some sun and temperatures in the low 70s. The temperature is likely to drop to the low 40s later that night with some clouds.

Sunday should heat up again to the low 70s but be mostly sunny throughout the day. Sunday night is likely to drop to the low 40s.

An excavator builds a berm to block incoming waves from coming too high up the shore. Officials are still expecting higher surfs even if the most dangerous period has passed.
An excavator builds a berm to block incoming waves from coming too high onto the shore with the continued potential for higher surfs. Credit: Daniel Green / Noozhawk photo

Temperatures should be a little cooler on Monday with temps in the high 60s and sunny weather.

In the Santa Maria area, residents can expect a 30% chance of rain on Thursday night and temperatures in the low 50s.

Friday temperatures will be in the low 60s and bring a chance of rain throughout the day. The NWS predicts a 50% of rain earlier in the day and a 20% chance later.

Temperatures will drop on Friday night to the high 40s and the sky is expected to be partly cloudy, according to the NWS.

On Saturday, the temperatures will be in the high 60s and be mostly sunny. Nighttime temperatures will drop to the mid-40s.

Sunday should be cooler with daytime temperatures in the low 60s but mostly sunny weather. The temperatures will drop that night to the mid-40s.

Monday will also be cooler with temperatures in the low 60s, but clear skies.

Click here for the latest weather forecasts and advisories from the NWS.

— Noozhawk staff writer Daniel Green can be reached at dgreen@noozhawk.com.