Severe Red Flag Warning is in effect for Cuyama Valley; San Luis Obispo County Mountains; Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains through 16 October 2026, 18:00, issued October 14 at 9:54PM PDT and in effect from 14 October 2026, 21:54. The alert severity is Severe, with urgency listed as Expected and certainty as Likely.
This Red Flag Warning indicates conditions that may support critical fire weather. Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds are expected to develop, peak, then slowly weaken. Dry air is expected to lower relative humidity and any new fire starts could experience extreme fire behavior.
The official description notes: Timing…From 3 AM to 6 PM PDT Friday. Winds are forecast East 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Relative humidity minimums of 8 to 15 percent are common. This guidance comes from the National Weather Service (NWS).
If you are in the affected areas, use extreme caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. Call 911 for life-safety emergencies and follow directions from local authorities and emergency services. Avoid outdoor burning and open flames, properly discard cigarettes, keep defensible space clear of dry vegetation, and be prepared to evacuate if instructed.
