Record-tying heat could encourage beachgoers to start the weekend early

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Thursday’s high temperature tied Santa Barbara’s hottest April 29 day on record. It hit 90 degrees. Friday and throughout the weekend could be more of the same, although not as hot.

NewsChannel 3-12’s weather team forecasts a high of 80 degrees by 2 p.m. in Santa Barbara. Then more sun and upper 70s through the weekend.

These unseasonably hot days could bring more people to the South Coast’s beaches, including those from nearby Los Angeles, Kern and Orange Counties.