Santa Barbara County is bracing for rain and gusty winds starting Tuesday afternoon and continuing into early Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The forecasters predict that the primary window for precipitation will occur between 4 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday, with most regions likely to receive between a quarter to a half inch of rain. Notably, areas along the South Coast, including Santa Barbara itself, could see totals of up to an inch.
There is a significant chance of rain, estimated at 70-80% across the county for Tuesday night. In addition to the rainfall, winds may gust up to 25 mph throughout most of the county, with even stronger gusts anticipated in the interior mountainous areas. Meteorologist Mike Wofford indicated that a wind advisory could be considered for elevated terrains, depending on evolving conditions.
Following this mild storm system, dry and warm weather is predicted for Thursday and Friday. However, residents should prepare for another wave of unsettled weather beginning Sunday, as Wofford indicates the likelihood of multiple storm systems moving in that week. The early forecast suggests that there may be two to three storms, potentially resulting in another 2 to 4 inches of rainfall spread over several days.
For the remainder of the week, daytime temperatures are expected to hover in the 60s, with overnight lows dipping into the 40s. Residents are encouraged to stay informed of the latest weather forecasts, alerts, and advisories as conditions develop. This upcoming weather pattern, while challenging, can provide much-needed moisture for the region, fostering a vibrant environment in the weeks to come.