Fire Weather Watch Issued for Santa Barbara and Ventura County Mountains
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Fire Weather Watch for portions of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, effective from Wednesday afternoon, July 15, through Thursday morning, July 16. This watch indicates the potential for critical fire weather conditions.
A Fire Weather Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. The watch is in effect from Wednesday afternoon, July 15, through Thursday morning, July 16. The affected areas include the Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range, Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range, Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains, Southern Ventura County Mountains, Northern Ventura County Mountains, and the Interstate 5 Corridor.
Forecasted conditions include strong northwest to north winds, low relative humidity, and hot temperatures. Winds are expected to be 20 to 30 mph with gusts potentially reaching 45 to 55 mph, with the strongest winds anticipated in Sundowner wind-prone areas of southern Santa Barbara County. Relative humidity levels are predicted to be between 10 and 25 percent.
If fire ignition occurs under these conditions, there is a potential for extreme fire behavior, rapid fire growth, and long-range spotting. Such developments could threaten life and property. Additionally, the hot air mass may contribute to significant vertical plume growth.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are likely to occur in the coming days.