[Update: Tue., July 14, 2026, 5pm] The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for parts of Santa Barbara County. The affected areas include the southwestern and southeastern coast, Santa Ynez Mountains’ western and eastern ranges, and the county’s interior mountains, according to a press release Santa Barbara County Fire spokesperson Captain Michael Gray. The red flag warning is in effect from noon on Wednesday, July 15, through 9 a.m. Thursday, July 16, due to hot temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds.
“A Red Flag Warning indicates that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will develop shortly,” the press release states. “The combination of strong winds, dry fuels, low humidity, and warm temperatures can lead to rapid fire ignition and extreme fire behavior, threatening lives and property.”
County fire shares the following Public Safety Reminders:
• Have a wildfire evacuation plan with at least two exit routes.
• Follow Ready, Set, Go! preparedness guidance at: https://sbcfire.com/ready-set-go
• Sign up for emergency alerts at: https://www.ReadySBC.org
• Avoid use of spark-producing tools and machinery in grass or brush-covered areas.
• Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911. Be prepared to give your exact location.
• Refrain from hiking or using front-country trails during Red Flag conditions.
• Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to local law enforcement.
County Fire states that it is actively monitoring conditions and coordinating response resources. Updates will be provided as necessary.
[Original Story] The humid “monsoonal” weather in Santa Barbara will turn hot, windy, and dry come Wednesday, when the National Weather Service expects sundowner winds to blow. The NWS has posted a fire weather watch for Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, in anticipation of winds from 20-30mph and gusts of 45-55mph. A heatwave is forecast throughout Santa Barbara County from Tuesday morning through Thursday evening.
The sundowners Wednesday night could send hot air down the foothills and all the way to Santa Barbara’s beaches. Mike Woffard at the National Weather Service stated on Monday that the foothills could reach the lower 100s and inland areas up to 105°F, while beaches will be in the 70s and 80s.
A fire weather watch is posted when critical weather conditions are expected in the next 48 hours. A Red Flag Warning is called within 24 hours of extreme conditions, or when a wildfire is ongoing.
