Thursday evening forecast

Santa Barbara, Calif. - Our sky cleared last night and temperatures were pretty chilly for most parts of the California Central Coast and South Coast as Thursday began. We had more sunshine and warmer temperatures this afternoon as high pressure regained control of our weather. Tonight will be mostly clear and chilly again with lows ranging from the lower 30s to the mid 40s.

The ridge currently over California will keep us mild, bright and dry on Friday and most of Saturday before a Pacific trough arrives and changes our weather quickly. Sunday is the first full day of winter and we can expect rain and cooler air. Rain showers will also be possible every day next week, but amounts will be light to moderate for all areas through Christmas.

Overnight lows will begin chilly, but will warm to above-average levels when the rain clouds arrive. Valleys: 30s and lower to mid 40s. Coasts: lower 40s to lower 50s. Daytime highs will be above average Friday and Saturday, and well below average beginning on Sunday, the first full day of winter. Highs will cool from the mid and upper 60s to the 50s and lower 60s.