Health Alert Issued as Santa Barbara County Braces for Gusty Winds and Record Heat This Week

The National Weather Service (NWS) warns residents of Santa Barbara County to prepare for a significant uptick in temperatures and strong gusty winds starting Tuesday, October 1, through Thursday, October 3, 2024.

This weather event poses a significant wildfire risk across the region, with winds potentially surpassing 35 mph and temperatures reaching staggering highs between 100 to 108 degrees in certain areas.

The NWS has specifically issued a Fire Weather Watch for the interior mountains of Santa Barbara County, emphasizing the heightened risk of wildfires due to the combination of hot, dry, and windy conditions. Such atmospheric setup dramatically increases fire danger, urging the community to refrain from activities that could ignite fires, including outdoor burning and using machinery that may create sparks.

The forecast details a scenario where building high pressure and offshore flows converge to create potentially record-breaking temperatures across both mountain and coastal areas. “A few record highs will be possible during this period,” the NWS notes, underscoring the severity of the heatwave.

Building high pressure and some offshore flow will result in soaring temperatures Tuesday through Thursday. The hottest areas will likely reach 100 to as high as 108 degrees. A few record highs will be possible. Potential Impacts include the potential risk for heat related illnesses for the vulnerable populations and that car interiors can reach lethal levels in a matter of minutes. Check the forecast before planning any strenuous outdoor activities, drink hydrating fluids frequently, and do not leave children, elderly, or pets in unattended vehicles.

Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions against the heat, such as staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, seeking shade during peak temperatures, and never leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles. The elderly, children, and those with health conditions should be particularly cautious and consider staying indoors to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Additionally, the community is encouraged to prepare for the wind, which may down trees and power lines, causing power outages and potential road hazards. Emergency kits should include water, food, a flashlight, batteries, and other essentials to cope with possible power outages.

On Tuesday afternoon the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a Health Alert due to the Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warning issued by the NWS.

Community members are strongly encouraged to take the following precautions whenever temperatures are on the rise:

• Take care of those who might not be aware of the danger or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets. Check on your neighbors.

• Wear appropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing works best.

• Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. If you have fluid restrictions from your doctor, ask to see how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

• Limit outdoor activity. Try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, like morning and evening hours. Be sure to wear sunscreen and rest often.

• Take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room. A few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Taking a cool shower or bath can help too.

• If you do not have air‐conditioning, consider arranging to spend at least parts of the day at another space that is cool. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness.

• For those who work outside, be sure to take frequent rest breaks in a shaded area or air-conditioned room, if possible. Stay hydrated and take action by moving to a cooler space if you feel signs of heat exhaustion.

• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, or sweats heavily, find a cooler location for him or her immediately.

• Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but also include hot, flushed skin. With heat stroke, the person often stops sweating and the skin will be unusually dry. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening!

• Do not leave children (and pets) unattended in vehicles. It only takes a matter of minutes on a relatively mild day for a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures.

Make a plan to keep cool during the hot weather days ahead. For tips and information on staying cool and safe during heat events, visit: https://www.readysbc.org/4257/Hot-Windy-Conditions-Expected-in-SBC

The local Fire Department and emergency services are on high alert, and additional resources and monitoring will be in place throughout the risk period to respond rapidly to any fire outbreaks. Residents are also reminded to clear any brush or flammable materials from around their homes as a precautionary measure.

For ongoing updates and detailed weather forecasts, the public is urged to visit the National Weather Service website at https://www.weather.gov/lox/. Stay informed, stay prepared, and help prevent wildfires during this high-risk weather event in Santa Barbara County.

Edhat Staff

Written by Edhat Staff

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  1. OMG the weather chanel says 90 degrees today, then dropping down. A real ALL CAPS ALERT! I know – some remote desert with 3% of the population may hit 100. Hysteria! Another record again – hasn’t been this hot for six
    months.

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