Santa Barbara County is more likely to see showers and possible thunderstorms beginning Wednesday until Friday due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario.
A flood watch has also been issued for the Santa Barbara interior mountains from early Thursday morning to early Friday morning.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kristan Lund says the potential impacts for Wednesday through early morning Thursday may include dry lightning and isolated winds. Thursday and Friday also have a forecast of wind and heavy rain.
The NWS predicts up to half an inch of rain across the county but cautions the number could change if thunderstorms are present.
“This is a rapidly evolving situation with a range of outcomes, stay tuned to the latest forecasts and advice from emergency officials,” Lund said.
Lund also said she does not know where the heaviest showers may occur or how prevalent thunderstorms could be, just how the temperature might feel.
“It will feel muggy and tropical by Thursday,” she said.
She said the chance for rain remains the highest for Thursday in Santa Barbara County.
Tropical Storm Mario developed at the Southern Baja Coast this past weekend. There is also a minor possibility of rain on Sunday and Monday as another storm, Tropical Storm Narda follows Mario’s track according to the NWS.
In South County, Goleta, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria have a 60% chance of rain Wednesday night. Communities may see thunderstorms after 11 p.m..
The South Coast region has up to an 80 percent chance of rain on Thursday, according to the NWS. It will be warm weather despite the Thursday rain, with daytime highs forecasted at a range of 70 to 75 degrees.
In North County, Santa Ynez, Santa Maria and Lompoc are forecasted to see a 40-50 percent chance of rain Wednesday night.
Thursday’s forecast has a 60-70 percent chance of rain during the day. Similar to South County, daytime highs are forecasted to see a warmer range of 75 to 81 degrees.
The NWS advises residents to account for longer travel times on Thursday and Friday at the chance of rain. For more NWS weather updates, click here.