A National Weather Service map shows the maximum temperature forecast across the region. Daily highs will be 5-12 degrees warmer than normal in many areas this week,
A National Weather Service map shows the maximum temperature forecast across the region. Daily highs will be 5-12 degrees warmer than normal in many areas this week, forecasters said. Credit: National Weather Service photo

A stretch of hot weather is forecast to build across Santa Barbara County this week, with inland temperatures expected to peak between Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Highs could reach 91 degrees in the Santa Ynez Valley and 101 degrees in Cuyama, according to Kristan Lund, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office.

Coastal areas such as Santa Barbara and Goleta are expected to reach the upper 70s to mid-80s, and evening temperatures may stay warm due to sundowner winds, she said.

Lund said temperatures will run 5 to 12 degrees above normal in most areas this week, and some inland valleys may see limited overnight cooling.

No heat advisories had been issued as of Monday afternoon, but the weather service said watches or warnings may be posted depending on how forecasts evolve throughout the week.

Residents are advised to plan accordingly and monitor weather forecast updates.

Lund encouraged people to use current forecasts to shape their week, especially if they are sensitive to heat or planning strenuous outdoor activity.

Sundowner Winds & Fire Risk

Gusty sundowner winds, dry air and low humidity are expected to elevate fire weather concerns across southwest Santa Barbara County through at least Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Lund said gusts between 30 and 45 mph are possible from Gaviota to Refugio on the Gaviota Coast and into nearby foothills, where conditions could be especially warm and dry. 

Brief critical fire weather conditions are also possible in inland areas such as the Santa Ynez and Cuyama valleys, and in higher elevations of the Santa Ynez Mountains, particularly where vegetation is dry.

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected to persist through Friday and could extend into next week, depending on wind patterns and humidity levels, according to the NWS.

Check the latest forecast and weather advisories from the NWS here.

Public Safety Power Shutoffs

As of Monday, Southern California Edison was considering public safety power shutoffs for several South Coast communities including the Gaviota Coast, Highway 154 corridor and parts of Santa Barbara.

Residents are encouraged to check SCE’s Outage Map for the latest status and potential impacts.

About 3,900 customers would be affected by these shutoffs, according to SCE.

— Noozhawk staff writer Nick Forselles can be reached at nforselles@noozhawk.com.