——— 11 a.m. Update from Meteorologist Vivian Rennie ———
In anticipation of some very strong winds across the region this weekend several wind alerts have gone into place.
For the Santa Barbara County South coast as well as mountainous interiors a High Wind Warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Saturday through 7 p.m. Sunday. Northwest sustained winds 25 to 35 will be common with gusts 60 to 70 mph possible. At the peak of this storm isolated gusts to 80 mph are possible. Winds to this speed can blow down large objects such as trees and power lines.
For much of San Luis Obispo and Western Santa Barbara Counties a Wind Advisory is in place from 7 p.m. Saturday through 7 p.m. Sunday. Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph are expected with gusts up to 45 mph. This is enough that unsecured objects may be blown around as well as driving may be tricky for high profile vehicles.
Take caution, especially in passes canyons and peaks with this wind.
——— Original Article ———
Good morning Central Coast and Happy Friday!
As we kick off the first weekend of 2024 sunshine is abundant, although waves will once again be a large concern alongside with potentially damaging winds.
Take caution with these waves and winds, if you are looking for something to do away from the beaches here is a look at some events going on across the Central Coast this weekend!
Locally strong winds in the Santa Barbara County Mountains have prompted an advisory this morning until 10 a.m. but it is not all clear after that. That same area has a high wind watch for Saturday afternoon into Sunday evening as stronger winds return.
The advisory is for N winds 20-30 with gusts to 45mph, winds will calm a bit this afternoon but tomorrow morning as a decaying cold front pushes through winds will once again become a concern.
A high wind watch is in place for Saturday morning through Sunday night for the interiors of Santa Barbara county. This is for north and northwesterly winds 20-30 mph with gusts up to 70mph. I expect this to be upgraded to a high wind warning soon.
Waves will also be a major story over the weekend as once again high tides will combine with The wave story for the Central Coast has changed a little bit. There is a high surf advisory in place into Monday. 12-16ft waves will have some maximum sets to 20ft. This is a little higher than the forecast for yesterday.
Those higher heights will coincide with a moderate tide this weekend and a coastal flood advisory is likely this weekend. Dangerous rip currents are the key concern but also activity near jetties. People should be aware of the elevated surf and avoid proximity to it. This will not be as bad as the surf event last week, but still, something to monitor closely.
Other than the winds and waves, the forecast looks quiet for today with a little more action this weekend.
Temps are up a tick as well with highs along the south coast in the mid to upper 60s with most of the region a couple of degrees warmer than yesterday.
There is a trough of low pressure that swings through the region late tonight into tomorrow morning. Most of the rain potential in this system has already cleared out but there is still a slight chance for a passing shower, that is a very small chance though! Another cold front will push through Saturday night and drop temperatures a bit and bring a very small chance for a few more showers although the much more significant impact is more winds waves and cooler temps.
Beyond that, a system around the midpoint of next week is still looking likely but it is beginning to look pretty dry. If it rains it wouldn’t be a strong event.
Have a wonderful day Central Coast!
