Weather forecasters are warning of unusually strong winds continuing through Friday.

A cold front, coupled with an area of high pressure over the Pacific, was predicted to produce winds as powerful as 60 mph today, May 24. High winds were expected to start Wednesday, May 23. The National Weather Service is warning of unsafe marine conditions and an elevated fire danger.

“Batten down the hatches!” PG&E meteorologist John Lindsey said. “One of the strongest northwesterly wind events that I’ve seen is expected to develop along the coastline through Friday.”

The Central Coast has already been experiencing gusty winds. Gusts topping 50 mph were predicted for Wednesday. Windy conditions will peak today, May 24, with gusts up to 60 mph, Lindsey said.

The northwesterly wind will also bring lower temperatures. “A stubbornly persistent and strong onshore flow will produce cooler temperatures on Thursday,” Lindsey forecast on Wednesday morning. “(That) will produce well below seasonal normal temperatures. In fact, maximum temperatures on Friday will only reach the 60s in most locations of San Luis Obispo County. This system will also produce extensive low clouds and fog on Friday night into Saturday.”

Temperatures will return to normal over the Memorial Day weekend. Inland highs should reach the 90s, with coastal temperatures staying in the upper 70s.

In addition to unsafe boating conditions on the ocean, strong winds can create unsafe driving conditions, particularly for larger vehicles such as vans and recreational vehicles.