Gusty northerly winds are expected across the mountains of
Santa Barbara county as well as the South Coast tonight through
Thursday morning. The strongest winds, gusts 30 to 50 mph with possible gusts to 60 mph, are expected tonight through Wednesday
morning. These winds will combine with relative humidity in the 15 to 25 percent range this evening and again Wednesday evening
to bring critical fire weather conditions to these areas. The
confidence for widespread critical fire weather conditions is
high for tonight and Wednesday morning and a RED FLAG WARNING
is in effect. For Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning,
confidence in widespread critical fire weather is not as high
and a FIRE WEATHER WATCH is in effect. These conditions could
lead to rapid fire spread, especially in the coastal foothills.
This part of Santa Barbara County is particularly vulnerable to
fires due to dry fuel moisture values at this time of the year.
If your coming down the Grade for SLU, there’s some pretty good spots. I dunno why everyone mobs up at Pismo Pier. Pier Ave at Oceano, is 10 min away, near the airstrip and ORVA, is 8-12ft and practically deserted this morning. Santa Rosa Creek and Moonstone also worth a look. If you make it to SB, there’s Razorblades and El Capitan if you want to avoid the Hollywood at Rincon.
The Pacific Ocean has some things to say about the low pressure at Gaviota overnight with wind gusts peaking to 35 in the coastal ranges and north of Santa Clarita.
We should watch Tropical Cyclone Lidia as it moves towards Baja California sur. Earlier control runs were recurving the storm up the Gulf of California. The ensembles are still open to the possibility. If a circulation can manifest itself half way up the Gulf and sync up with a Santa Ana wind event it could spell extra wind hazards for South Ops.
The most likely scenario is a landfall in Western Mexico.
Evapotranspiration rates on the Central Coast are pretty high. The marine layer retreated off the shoreline and the temperature jumped about 15 degrees over two days and is just sucking the moisture out of everything.
Another great day in the Motherlode. When this sunrise photo was taken it was 53 out, no wind and no rain. Hope all is well for everyone retired and still working. Stay Safe and Keep the Faith.
Another great sunrise here in the Motherlode looking out over Sonora towards Duckwall Mtn.
60 out, no dew, leaf litter and grass crunchy when you walk on it. Couldn’t ask for better burning conditions for VMP etc. Looks like a cool down next week. Hope all is well Fire Folks.
