Excessive heat and fire warnings issued for Santa Barbara County

An excessive heat warning for the interior and mountainous portions of Santa Barbara County has been issued from Wednesday, July 3 through Monday, July 8, at 6 p.m. on both dates. A red flag fire warning is in effect from Thursday at 6 p.m. through Saturday at 6 a.m. The affected area includes most of the mountains and southwestern Santa Barbara County. (See map for red flag areas.)

The National Weather Service is forecasting high temperatures and heat through Thursday: 100-110 degrees F (38-43 degrees C) in the lower mountains and inland; 90-100 degrees F (32-38 degrees C) in the coastal valleys; and 80-90 degrees F (27-32 degrees C) along the coast. Through Saturday, temperatures will all rise to about 60-70 degrees F (15-22 degrees C) before decreasing through Monday. Evening and overnight temperatures will reach the 59-60 degrees F (15 degrees C) range, with temperatures reaching as high as 70 degrees F (22 degrees C) in Cuyama on Friday.

High temperatures, very low humidity and expected high winds have prompted the issuance of a Fire Warning, an additional step up from the previously issued Weather Alert. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department advises residents to be prepared, know their evacuation routes, report smoke to 9-1-1, avoid spark-producing tools and stay informed at ReadySBC.org. For more information on how to prepare yourself, your home and your important documents, visit the Fire Department’s Ready, Set, Go webpage.

To stay cool, avoid hiking and outdoor activities in the hot sun, drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages, and take breaks if working outside. Do not leave children or pets in vehicles. Emergency cooling centers are available in Cuyama and at area libraries.

Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, or profuse sweating. Move to a cooler place. Heat stroke is more serious than heat exhaustion and often presents with hot, flushed skin. Call 9-1-1 if you suspect heat stroke.