Thursday evening forecast April 23rd
High pressure is generating an unusually hot air mass over southwest California Friday and Saturday. Temperatures will remain above normal most of next week as well. Locally gusty north winds will impact southern Santa Barbara County into Friday morning.
Heat and winds are the issues in the forecast. There is a good chance we could break multiple records this week. Temperatures are pushing 90+ degrees today in the absence of northeast winds. Typically would need compressional heating from this type of wind to reach these temperatures, but not today. Santa Barbara South Coast and mountains have seen the gusty winds with gusts already recorded today exceeding 50 mph, above Montecito.
A High Wind Warning is in effect for the Santa Barbara South Coast, Mountains and Ventura County Mountains until 9AM Friday. Expect gusts up to 65 mph in the Montecito hills after sunset.
A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 AM Friday to 6 PM Saturday as temperatures continue to soar into the 90s in several locations. Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. The heat advisory means moderate heat risk to those sensitive to heat and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
Temperatures are really going to peak on Friday with near record heat possible for several locations. Highs will be near 90 in most locations with cooler spots still being well into the 80s. Nighttime low temperatures are likely to stay in the lower 70s tonight and again Friday night, mainly where winds continue to mix the hot air. Saturday is not looking much different than Friday.
By Sunday an upper level trough slides across the west coast and flattens the ridge. There may be low clouds and patchy fog along the central coast by Sunday morning along with a stronger onshore wind regime. This will knock several degrees off the high temperatures, but they will remain well above normal through the weekend.
The long term forecast shows just a tad bit of relief from the heat but temperatures will remain above average and there is no rain in the forecast.
