Windy weather causing a number of warnings

From evening to Thursday:

Gusty winds will dominate much of the Central Coast and Southern California this week due to an increasing pressure difference between a strong area of ​​high pressure over the Pacific Ocean and a cold trough of low pressure over the western United States.

Winds have increased water energy and a high surf advisory remains in effect through Wednesday.

We are already feeling advisory level winds today in parts of the region, especially near the Interstate 5 corridor and southern Santa Barbara County.

These winds will strengthen tonight as a cold air mass settles over the Great Basin and strengthens the surface pressure gradient, creating conditions that produce strong northerly winds.

Wednesday and Thursday:

Santa Ana winds will increase across the region by early Wednesday, particularly affecting Los Angeles and Ventura counties, where high wind and critical fire weather warnings will be in effect. This situation is exacerbated by cold air masses pressing on the interior mountain slopes. Areas such as the Santa Monica and Santa Lucia Mountains are likely to see damaging wind gusts in excess of 50 mph, and some locations could see wind gusts near 60 to 70 mph. Winds are expected to be strongest along typical Santa Ana corridors in eastern Ventura and western Los Angeles counties. High wind warnings are also in effect for the Channel Islands and Malibu coast, where gusty northeast winds could cause impacts, especially along the coast and in the foothills.

With very low humidity across the region and strong winds, fire weather conditions are of particular concern. High-resolution models show unusually rapid increases in wind speeds, which could pose a significant fire risk, especially in windy areas such as the San Gabriel Mountains and other elevated regions. Areas less exposed to winds, such as some valleys and sheltered coastal areas, will experience calmer conditions at night, but with cooler temperatures. Radiative cooling under clear skies could push some inland valleys, including the southern Salinas Valley, into near-freezing temperatures, possibly prompting frost watches in places like Paso Robles and Cuyama. As we did yesterday, we’ll wait until late to explore the potential of the recommendation, which has not been published as of this writing on Tuesday evening.

Friday:

Winds will gradually weaken as high pressure builds over the region, leading to a warming trend that should bring temperatures closer to normal for the season, especially in the inland valleys. Coastal and lowland regions will also experience some warming, although the greatest warming will be in areas further inland. Mostly clear skies are expected to continue, providing a sunny and calm end to the week.

Closed until the beginning of next week:

A new set of setbacks could hit the region by Veterans Day or early next week. While it remains unclear whether the rain will reach the Central Coast, there is a 40-50% chance that another round of gusty northerly winds will affect the region, especially parts of southern Santa Barbara County. Temperatures are expected to cool slightly as the trough progresses, with gusty conditions likely to return to normal wind-prone areas. I’m forecasting rain on Monday.

Overall, expect clear skies, seasonal temperatures and increased concerns about fire weather midweek, with strong winds possibly easing by Friday. However, stay tuned as another wind event could be on the horizon early next week.