More thunderstorms are possible for Santa Barbara County on Saturday, which would mark the second time this week the skies have been lit up by lightning and thunder.
The area experienced an impressive show from thunderstorms on Tuesday night.
Along with thunder and lightning, storms could bring brief but heavy downpours and gusty winds, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Joe Sirard.
There’s even a very small chance of hail, he added.
Thunderstorms are expected mainly in the afternoon and evening, developing in the mountain areas and drifting southward toward the coast.
Rain and thunder are not expected in most of the North County, but Sirard said storms could develop near the Santa Ynez Valley.
Residents planning to spend Saturday outdoors should monitor weather conditions carefully.
“If people are hiking or in the mountains or walking along the beaches, just keep a close eye on the sky, and if you hear thunder, take shelter,” Sirard said.
Weekend Forecast
The South Coast can expect light drizzle Saturday morning with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m.
Temperatures will be in the high 60s and low 70s, with a tenth of an inch of rain expected, possibly more during thunderstorms, according to NWS.
Saturday night has a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m.
Partly sunny skies are expected to return on Sunday, with temperatures in the low 70s, continuing through Monday and Tuesday.
North County residents can expect patchy fog Saturday morning, with the sun coming out in the afternoon and temperatures in the lows 70s.
Sunday will have mostly cloudy skies as temperatures stay in the low 70s, continuing through Monday.
Santa Maria has a slight chance of showers on Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management was warning residents to stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, recent burn scars, and other flood-prone locations.
It also advised charging electronic devices in case of a power outage, being careful when driving on wet roads, and securing items that could blow away.
Additionally, residents are advised to go inside if they hear thunder and wait 30 minutes after the storm passes to go back outside.
Click here for the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.