Overview
- The long stretch of August heat began to ease Monday when the upper‑level ridge weakened and onshore flow returned, starting a cooling trend that will lower inland highs by as much as about 8°F through Thursday.
- A deep marine layer roughly 800–1,000 feet thick is moving onshore and will produce morning fog, low clouds and spotty drizzle that can cut visibility for commuters and keep beaches gray much of the day.
- A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. tonight through Wednesday night for beaches south of Point Conception because high astronomical tides up to about 7.5 feet and southerly swell could cause minor inundation of low‑lying parking lots and walkways.
- Fire danger remains elevated in higher terrain where dry fuels and gusty onshore winds — with gusts up to roughly 30 mph through mountain gaps and ridgelines — could let the active Timber Fire in Los Padres National Forest spread or allow new fires to start.
- There is a low (about 10–15%) chance of elevated afternoon or evening thunderstorms midweek that could produce gusty winds or lightning and spark new fires, and forecast models disagree on the pattern beyond next week so the longer‑range temperature outlook is uncertain.