Hello Central Coast!

As we begin our Friday, excellent conditions are in place!

Strong Santa Ana winds maintained significant fire concerns yesterday. Fortunately, today the high pressure fueling this wind event is moving eastward and the winds will calm down quickly.

Air quality is affected on the South Coast due to smoke from the ongoing Mountain Fire and the fire near Vandenberg.

Temperatures will be slightly below average due to this influx of colder air from inland. Inland valleys, including the Santa Ynez and southern Salinas River Valley, as well as the Cuyama, experience cold temperatures overnight, with temperatures in the low 30s and potentially dipping into the upper 20s.

Freeze warnings are in effect again this morning due to temperatures in the 20s.

Winds are expected to calm as the Santa Ana pattern eases, allowing a slight warming trend to develop by Friday and Saturday. The formation of high pressure over the Pacific will contribute to this phenomenon, bringing clear skies and a slight increase in temperature for coastal areas and valleys. Inland regions, however, can remain cool overnight due to effective radiative cooling in dry, calm conditions. Expect daytime temperatures in the 70s, with Saturday being the warmest as offshore winds set in and high pressure remains under control.

Looking ahead to the second half of the weekend and into next week, a cooling trend is expected as a series of weak storm systems move down from the north. The first of these will arrive Sunday, although models don’t suggest much precipitation with this system; instead, it will likely bring cooler temperatures and a risk of gusty north winds, particularly along the Interstate 5 corridor and into southern Santa Barbara County.

Ensemble models also hint at a possible light rain or snow event in the mountains between Veterans Day and Tuesday, with north-facing mountain slopes having the best chance for moisture. Although precipitation is not guaranteed, future forecasts may provide more clarity as details emerge. For now, temperatures early next week are likely to be cooler, with maximum temperatures falling to seasonal levels, or even slightly below normal, as these weak systems come and go.

Have a nice Central Coast day!