Tracking thunderstorms Wednesday

Happy Tuesday! Look for an increase in clouds by the afternoon for most areas as a cold front approaches the area. With this incoming system we will look for breezy winds and cooler temperatures as well. Highs will drop 5-10 degrees from yesterday and most areas hold into the upper 60s and low 70s. Our Beach Hazard Statement has been extended through Thursday with 3-6Ft waves expected in Ventura County. 

All eyes are on Wednesday as the cold front crosses over our region. Look for scattered showers by daybreak and heavier bursts of rain throughout the day as thunderstorms develop and move quickly over cities. The time of concern will be the evening as models indicate a large ling of moderate to heavy rain crossing over San Luis Obispo first, around 5pm and moving south. Santa Maria can expect the heavier rain closer to 6:30pm while Santa Barbara will wait till 9pm and overnight in Ventura. Roadways will be messy when headed home from work and traffic may be an issue. This is the first measurable rain in a while so minor flooding is likely. When thunder roars go indoors! Rainfall totals look to range from .5-1 inch for most areas, closer to an inch and a half for Santa Barbara and south beaches. 

We hold with. A 50% chance of showers and Thunderstorms Thursday, however models keep many microclimates dry. All pop up showers will be fast moving but could drop a good bitof rain, so keep an eye on your surroundings. We dry out completely by Friday and more sunshine is expected by the weekend. More rain chances are possible into next week. More details to come.