The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning that is in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday due to concerns of thunderstorms with dry lightning.
There is an increase in chances of wildfires starting in proximity to thunderstorms due to lightning beneath the dry thunderstorms.
scattered thunderstorms have developed across the coastal waters N of Point Conception and isolated thunderstorms over the western portion of the Santa Barbara South Coast. There will continue to be potential for additional thunderstorms to develop overnight. #cawx pic.twitter.com/aJUQs7U7T2
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 16, 2020
Fires may spread rapidly due to dry fuels and gusty outflow winds near thunderstorms. Dry thunderstorms may develop across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Any storms that develop will likely produce abundant lightning over receptive fuel beds due to the current heat waves.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.
Use extreme caution with potential fire ignition sources.
