Good morning Central Coast!
There is a lot to get to with intense Santa Ana Winds causing devastation through much of southern California. Let's dive right in.
Strong downsloping winds are bringing very warm dry winds to many communities across the region. These locally are known as the Santa Ana winds and have a long history of destruction amid these events. This time around is very much one for the history books. Storng winds gusting upwards of 100 mph have been recorded in the LA basin over the past 24 hours. That is enough to quialify as a category teo hurricane if they were embedded in a tropical storm. Here is a look at the winds as of 11:30 a.m.
Thanks to the winds many fires have erupted and are continuing to grow. We will bring you the latest on these fires on air and online all day.
Fire weather concern is continuing today, here is a look at the fire weather potential for mid day Wednesday. The areas shaded in yellow have the problematic confluence of high winds, low humidies and warm temps. That means that fires will be erratic and even small sparks can get out of control quickly.
These winds will peak this afternoon and then will begin to calm down. That being said when winds calm down low humidity and high temps will remain. Fire weather will ease slowly but until then...
There is a Fire Weather Warning across most of Santa Barbara County, that will remain in effect through Wednesday at 6 p.m.
This is alongside a High Wind Advisory in place for interiors of Santa Barbara County in place through Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
This Fire Weather warning is taking into account wind speeds, which we are seeing at around 20 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching around 50 mph in some places. As well as low relative humidity, causing dry conditions, and warm temperatures. All of this can cause fire to spread more rapidly, as well as non fire related issues like downed trees, downed power lines, and potential for some power outages in some areas.
There is good news though, the Santa Ana event fueling this pattern will ease by this evening. Offshore winds will calm and take some of the fire weather danger away with it. That being said we will still have high temps, winds (although calmer) as well as zero rain chances.
Temps today will once again be warm. Many coastal valleys will get into the 70s today with interiors and beaches in the mid 60s. Across the board that is 10-15 degrees warmer than normal for this time of the year.
Into the extended forecast temps will stay warm through the week with highs climbing into the 70s each day into the weekend. By Saturday the high pressure that is fueling the warmth will fade and highs will cool slightly. This will bring us closer to normal for this time of the year into next week but sunshine will still be abundant through next week.
Have a wonderful day Central Coast!
