While early November did its best impression of summer with temperatures in the 80s, warm ocean water and sunny skies, an incoming storm track is about to plunge air temperatures and douse Santa Barbara County in rain.
Light rain is expected on and off this weekend and next week.
Along with showers, a large west swell is making its way to the Santa Barbara and Ventura coastlines to build on an already pumping week of waves.
The National Weather Service forecast shows west swell in the Santa Barbara Channel peaking Saturday at 8 feet with a period of 14 seconds. With the swell angle forecast to be around 266 degrees west—right in the prime window for point breaks on the Santa Barbara County south coast—some points could see waves up to double overhead in size.
Despite the wave forecast, surfers should be wary of water quality going into the weekend in the wake of a rainy Friday. Poor water quality after rain can increase the risk of illness and infection.
Large tide swings will also complicate surfing, some spots—especially those with a lot of rocks—will have more difficult paddle outs than usual with the high tide and large swell.
The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement on Wednesday, citing a risk of heightened rip currents and dangerous waves this weekend.
The Service also warns for potential tidal overflows with peak morning high tides.
