The first day of winter is going to be warm. As daytime highs climb to the upper 60s to upper 70s, these temperatures are definitely above average. For context, Santa Barbara is expected to reach 79 degrees Monday, but the average daytime high is closer to 63 degrees for this time of the year.
A ridge that is over the state is bringing the warmer daytime highs Monday, but looking ahead to Tuesday, as weaker offshore flow develops, daytime highs are expected to trend down by five to ten degrees.
Monday's wind forecast will at best be moderate for the Central Coast. North to northeasterly winds will likely range between five to ten miles per hour. These conditions are expected to change and winds will likely be gusty and near an advisory level by Wednesday.
By Christmas Eve, more changes are expected as an upper level low will move in over the area, producing cloudy skies and a chance of rain over coastal valleys, inland valleys, and foothills. Although there is a possibility of rain, chances are still looking slim and the Central Coast will likely not receive significant rainfall from this system.
