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Peak swells of 20+ ft possible & more big surf later this week

Posted at 6:13 AM, Jan 05, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-05 10:08:47-05

Dense fog is filling into valley areas Tuesday morning across the Central Coast and tule fog is a concern in the Central Valley.

Yesterday's light precipitation did not result in much more than trace amounts. Another weak cold front is forecast to track too far northward Wednesday but it may produce afternoon/evening mist and drizzle for the Central Coast, similar to what we saw on Monday.

Gusty winds will develop by the early afternoon Tuesday, helping to keep skies clear and allow warmer daytime highs.

Expect locally gusty N-NE winds 20-30 mph across the area however, they are not widespread enough to warrant an advisory.

Beaches will have daytime highs in the low to mid 60s. Slightly warmer today in the coastal valleys with highs in the mid and upper 60s. Interior valleys will see low 60s with the exception of the Santa Ynez Valley where temps will reach the high 60s and even low 70s.

High Surf Warning is in effect now through Wednesday morning with peak swells expected to exceed 20 ft today. Waves will be 15-20 ft with local sets to 22+ ft. Local harbor authorities are warning everyone to stay off rocks and jetties, do not turn your back on the ocean and watch the waves from a safe distance.

On the Santa Barbara County south coast, a high surf advisory has been extended through Saturday evening for 5-8 ft swells at west-facing beaches.

More wave energy builds through the end of the week. Another long-period large swell arrives Friday and may produce surf heights near 20 ft. As a result, the NWS says another High Surf Warning may be issued heading into the weekend.