Tuesday will remain relatively consistent to how we started the week but a shift is on the horizon for the rest of the week.
High Surf
A more active pattern in the Pacific is producing more wind out over the ocean and therefore more waves, even though local winds have been mild. A high surf advisory is in place into the early morning hours Wednesday. It is possible with local winds picking up later this week that other surf advisories may be needed.
Midweek Cooling and Drizzle
An upper-level low-pressure system will be moving over the western United States Wednesday through Thursday. This system will bring cooler temperatures and the chance of some light drizzle across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
Breezy Conditions Expected
Along with the cooler temperatures, we can expect moderate to locally strong winds blowing from the northwest to north. These winds will be especially noticeable in the beach communities and coastal valleys. Winds thru the Gaviota Pass area of Santa Barbara County will need to be watched for potential advisory strength.
Warming Up for the Weekend
As we head into the weekend, a shift in wind direction will bring warmer and drier conditions. Weak to moderate winds from the north to northeast will usher in a return to more typical temperatures for this time of year.
A Closer Look at the Forecast
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny with some low clouds lingering along the coast.
- Wednesday: Increasing clouds with a chance of drizzle. Temperatures will start to cool down.
- Thursday: Continued cool and cloudy with a chance of drizzle. Strong northwest winds are expected, particularly in southern Santa Barbara County.
- Friday: Northerly winds will bring a slight cool down to the interior, while coastal valleys will warm up slightly.
- Weekend: Mostly sunny and warmer with lighter winds.
Technical Details
For those interested in the meteorological details, the low-pressure system moving through midweek will bring increased atmospheric lift and a deepening of the marine layer. This will result in more cloud cover and a chance of drizzle. The winds we'll experience are a result of pressure gradients and the movement of air masses.
