The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory and a Wind Advisory for Santa Barbara County this week as forecasters predict temperatures in the 80s and 90s and gusty winds.
The NWS Wind Advisory is in effect until 3 a.m. Wednesday for most of the county and a Heat Advisory was issued for 11 a.m. Wednesday through 6 p.m. Friday, with temperatures up to 95 degrees expected.
The heat wave is expected to affect large portions of California and the NWS Oxnard Office’s advisory affects San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Forecasts show temperatures in the 80s and 90s on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the hottest weather expected on Thursday.
Meteorologists expect winds to reach 25 to 35 mph on Monday and Tuesday, with the highest estimated gusts being 50 mph.
On Monday night, meteorologists expect isolated gusts to potentially reach speeds of 65 mph near Montecito’s hills. The winds, also called “sundowner winds,” will sweep in from the Santa Ynez mountains, pushing outwards towards the ocean.
Temperatures will rise later this week, hitting points as high as 95 degrees for those living in the Santa Ynez Valley, according to the NWS.
“The winds coming in from the Santa Ynez mountains will clear out the clouds,” said David Sweet, a meteorologist from the Oxnard NWS office.
As clouds move away due to the wind, local citizens can anticipate hot, sunny days ahead, he said.
The winds do not coincide with the temperature uptick and thanks to the showers from last Monday, there should be no fire warnings to come, he said.
“(There should be) a few hours of elevated winds, but with recent rains, there is not a high risk or red flag warning for fires,” Sweet said.
Sweet advises that high-profile vehicles take caution on the road for the next couple days during the high winds.
“Crosswinds (could) cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially high-profile vehicles such as 18-wheel trucks,” he added. People with large outdoor objects should also either secure their items or move them inside.
The advisory released Monday morning also warned that tree limbs could be blown down, resulting in potential power outages and road obstructions.
Due to the risk of heat-related illnesses, the NWS advises people to ease up on outdoor activities and outdoor labor and stay hydrated throughout the rest of the week.
Click here for the latest Santa Barbara weather forecast.
Click here for the latest Santa Maria weather forecast.
— Lauren Luna is a Noozhawk contributing writer. Contact her at news@noozhawk.com.
