Tuesday evening weather April 21st
High pressure will build over southwestern California this week, bringing dry and very warm conditions to the area. Temperatures will peak on Friday then cool gradually this weekend. Gusty northerly winds will impact the area this week.
The heat wave is just beginning this week we will see a warming trend with above average temperatures for the foreseeable feature. Wednesday most locations will see highs in the upper 70s to low 80s.
Gusty winds will continue throughout the week with the peak expected Wednesday night through Friday. A wind advisory will most likely be in effect off and on now through Friday for the Santa Barbara South Coast, Santa Barbara County Mountains and Ventura County Mountains. The moderate to strong northwest to north winds will be 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The gustiest winds in the Montecito Hills and Gaviota Pass. The winds will be strong enough Wednesday night going into Thursday morning that a High Wind Warning is expected to go into effect.
The windy weather is also causing air quality issues in the Ocean Dunes/Nipomo Mesa area due to blowing dust and sand. The poor air quality is expected from 1 pm to 7 pm Tuesday April 21 through Monday April 27th. Very sensitive individuals should avoid going outside during this time.
The most pressing secondary issue in the short term will be temperatures. With the upper ridge just offshore and the northerly flow, a dramatic warming trend is expected through Friday. For Wednesday/Thursday, many areas will be 10-15 degrees above seasonal normals with even more warming on Friday (with the potential for some record-breaking high temperatures). Given the time of year and the still relatively cool overnight low temperatures, no need for any heat products. However, it will be an impressive little heat wave and people need to take the proper precautions.
The above average temperatures are here to stay and there is no rain in the foreseeable future.
