[UPDATE] The Fire Weather Watch was upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for Santa Barbara County's South Coast and mountain areas, announced County Fire Capt. David Zaniboni. The Red Flag runs from 3 p.m. on Friday, July 22, through to midnight, Saturday, July 23, due to forecast high winds and gusts, and low relative humidity of 5-15 percent. Hot temperatures and dry fuels "will likely bring critical fire weather conditions," the National Weather Service advised.
[ORIGINAL STORY]
Increasing heat and expected windy weather are combining for a Fire Weather Watch and High Wind Advisory to be issued by the National Weather Service. Gusty winds of 20-30 mph, peaking at 45-60 mph, are expected Thursday and Friday evenings through the Santa Ynez Range and across southern Santa Barbara County. The I-5 corridor is also expected to be affected with corresponding peril to high-profile vehicles.