Toasty temperatures will continue into mid-week, and a Public Safety Power Shutoff may occur starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday for hundreds of customers in southern Santa Barbara County.
Some 2,791customers on the South Coast could be affected by the precautionary power shutoff, according to the Southern California Edison announcement Sunday.
SCE’s notice came as a heat advisory has been extended to 6 p.m. Tuesday covering a wide swath of Santa Barbara County where many areas have experienced above-normal temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
The hottest areas will continue to be the Santa Barbara County interior mountains such as the Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range and Montecito Hills plus the Cuyama Valley.
Top temperatures for those areas are expected to be between 95 and 105 degrees, and overnight conditions will remain warm.
For a time, the heat advisory covered coastal areas but expired Sunday evening.
Some areas south of Point Conception also may experience monsoonal moisture, although the chance of showers and thunderstorms remains 10-20% Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The main concern centers on dry lightning strikes, which can spark fires, and strong downburst winds.
A beach hazards statement will remain in effect through Monday evening for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Authorities warned about dangerous rip currents with a combination of a south swell producing elevated surf up to 7 feet.
The warmer-than-normal temperatures carry a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors, according to NWS.
On Saturday, first responders helped two hikers get to safety after they experienced heat-related troubles near Arlington Peak in the Santa Barbara front country, county Fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said.
Headed to help one hiker, rescuers encountered a 66-year-old woman who requested assistance. After helping her, the rescuers assisted the original caller, a 22-year-old male UCSB student who had run out of water and experienced mild dehydration.
After being hoisted into the county Copter 3 and taken to safety, both declined hospital transport.
On Sunday, another hiker, with a possible broken ankle, was rescued from the Jesusita Trail area.
Among safety measures, authorities say hikers should carry 32 ounces of water per hour of activity, pack electrolytes and snacks, and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes.
Residents also should limit strenuous outdoor activities, such as hiking, to the early morning hours, officials said.
Power shutoffs occur during extreme weather events including those involving windy conditions combined with dry vegetation.
SCE officials are expected to monitor conditions in the coming days to determine if the precautionary power shutoff needs to occur.
For more information on the possible planned power outage, call Southern California Edison at 800-611-1911 or visit www.sce.com.