Good morning Central Coast!
As we push into our Wednesday morning conditions are looking great for the vast majority of communities. Offshore winds are keeping the marine fog away from the road for all but south western Santa Barbara County. Lompoc and VSFB drivers take it slow, visibility may be limited at times.
Much of the clear skies can be attributed to offshore winds, this is also what is driving our warm up! The high pressure to our east is pushing hot and dry air into the region and will make for a scorcher in the interior valleys with the beaches much more comfortable.
Interiors will be 15 to 20 degrees above normal for this time of year with many locations hitting the triple digits. Wile beaches and coastal valleys will be above normal they will be much more comfortable. Upper 70s and low 80s in the coastal valleys and 70s by the beaches.
A Heat Advisory has been issued for San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys and the Southern Salinas Valley, effective from 10 AM Wednesday to 8 PM Thursday. Residents in cities such as Templeton, Shandon, Paso Robles, Creston, Atascadero, San Miguel, Lake Nacimiento, Carrizo Plain, and the Cuyama Valley can expect temperatures to soar up to 104 degrees.
The National Weather Service warns that these hot conditions significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those engaging in outdoor activities. Authorities advise staying hydrated, limiting strenuous activities, and checking on at-risk individuals to ensure community safety during these first hot temps of the year.
One good piece of news is that the warm up isn't lasting long, Thursday the heat will back off a touch and temps will fall into the mid 90s for Paso Robles. Mid 80s by Friday and evening out into the extended forecast.
The main uncertainty in the forecast is the timing of the upper-level ridge moving east and the potential for a little mid-level moisture transfer into Santa Barbara County on Thursday, which might cause a thunderstorm in the mountains, although the likelihood is low. I will keep an eye on it.
Have a great day Central Coast!
