A warmer Wednesday with all eyes on Santa Ana winds overnight into Thursday
Temperatures are again chilly in the morning Wednesday, but highs are warming 2 to 4 degrees. There is a frost advisory in place until 9:00 am for the Central Coast and Ojai Valley with temperatures near freezing.
The region will be in the mid to upper 60s in the afternoon, with a few breezy cities in the low 70s. For only the second day this month, temperatures will be near or slightly above normal.
A high surf advisory is staying in effect through 6:00 pm on the Ventura County coast and through 10:00 pm on the Central Coast. High surf will be up to 8 feet and 13 feet respectively.
Offshore flow is increasing and skies are bright. We are under the west side of a massive trough, pushing cold air into the region, which will cause northeasterly winds to pick up at night.
Santa Ana winds will peak Thursday morning with strong offshore flow and cold air advection. A trough is moving into Southern California, but a high is building in the Great Basin.
A wind advisory will be in effect from 7:00 pm Wednesday to 6:00 pm Thursday for the Central and Southeast Ventura Valleys. It will be in effect from midnight to 7:00 pm Thursday for the Ventura coast. Winds will be 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. A high wind warning will be in effect from 7:00 pm Wednesday to 6:00 pm Thursday for the Ventura County mountains. Gusts may reach 60 mph.
With cold air advection stopping and offshore flow lessening Friday, the wind will drop off. Temperatures will inch downwards.
On Saturday, the ridge will be replaced by cyclonic flow. Offshore flow will gradually turn onshore. All this will result in much cooler temperatures and the possible return of the marine layer.
Clouds increase and temperatures continue dropping Sunday and Monday. There is a very slight chance of rain, with peak chances now sitting at 30 percent.
