Santa Barbara County could be ringing in the new year with more rain and wind this weekend, as heavy downpours are expected Saturday and into next week.

Scattered light showers are in the forecast through Friday, bringing about a tenth of an inch of rain or less, with most of the precipitation coming in Saturday afternoon, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford.

Most of the county can anticipate 1 to 3 inches of rain Saturday afternoon into Saturday night.

While winds around 5 to 15 mph are expected Friday, Saturday could see gusts as high as 25 mph in Santa Barbara and 35 mph in Santa Maria and Lompoc, according to extended forecasts on the National Weather Service’s website.

Wofford added that Sunday looks like it will be dry and breezy, with a small chance of precipitation on Monday afternoon and evening.

The wet weather should carry over into next week, with rain expected Tuesday into Wednesday.

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