December heat wave hits SLO County. Here’s what’s causing the warm weather
San Luis Obispo County is the midst of a December heat wave that could see temperatures top 80 degrees on Friday in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.
The warm weather is continuing after temperatures reached the high-70s in parts of the county on Thursday.
A Weather Service forecast showed a projected high of 80 degrees in San Luis Obispo on Friday, while temperatures in Pismo Beach were slated to reach 79 degrees and a high of 72 degrees was projected for Paso Robles.
Temperatures on the North Coast looked to fall in the 60s and mid-70s, meteorologist John Lindsey said.
The high temperatures are a result of compressed northeasterly winds, known locally as Santa Lucia winds, entering SLO County, Lindsey told The Tribune.
The unusually warm weather will likely taper off after Friday.
Northeasterly winds will result in cold mornings and warm afternoons next week, culminating in a dry cold front next Friday, Lindsey told The Tribune.
Temperatures in Pismo Beach could sink into the high 50s and low 60s by Sunday, while SLO and Paso Robles will see temperatures in the mid-60s next week.
Compared to the snow and hellacious winds ravaging cities elsewhere in the nation, Lindsey said SLO County is lucky to be seeing sunshine and a few warm days.
“It’s so amazing that we’re enjoying this type of weather,” Lindsey said. “We’re very fortunate to live here.”
This story was originally published December 6, 2024 at 11:09 AM.
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