It’s basically been a rollercoaster of a winter for the Central Coast. After the massive storms that pounded Santa Barbara County back in late December and early January, everyone’s been waiting for a break. Honestly, today is that break. If you’re looking at the weather in Santa Maria California today, you’re in for a treat that feels more like early spring than mid-January.
I was just checking the local readings and the vibe is pretty much perfect. We’re sitting at a comfortable 73°F right now. This isn't that weird, humid heat either; the humidity is hanging around 36%, so it’s that crisp, dry Santa Maria air we all love.
The sun is out in full force. No clouds. Just a massive blue sky.
The Numbers You Actually Care About
Most people wake up and want to know two things: do I need a jacket and will it rain? Today, the answer is "no" and "definitely not."
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The high for today is hitting 74°F. That’s about 10 to 12 degrees above what we usually see this time of year according to the National Weather Service. It’s warm enough that you’ll see people at the Town Center or out at Waller Park in t-shirts, but not so hot that you’re searching for the AC.
Here is the quick breakdown of what’s happening on the ground:
- Current Temp: 73°F
- Today’s High: 74°F
- Tonight’s Low: 48°F
- Wind: Very light. We’re talking 2 mph coming from the southeast right now, though it might pick up to about 6 mph from the northwest later.
- Rain Chance: 0% for the rest of the day.
Why it Feels So Different Today
There’s a specific reason it feels so good out there. High pressure is parked right over us, and we’re getting some of that offshore flow. While Los Angeles and Ventura are dealing with gusty Santa Ana winds, Santa Maria is mostly just getting the warmth without the "blow your patio furniture away" part of the deal.
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Kinda nice, right?
But don't get too used to the t-shirt weather. Tonight is going to remind you that it is, in fact, January. Once that sun dips behind the Casmalia Hills, the temperature is going to tank. We’re looking at a low of 48°F. That’s a 26-degree drop. If you’re heading out to dinner at the Far Western or grabbing a drink downtown, you are absolutely going to want that heavy hoodie or a denim jacket.
What about the UV?
Even though it’s sunny, the UV Index is only a 2.
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Basically, you’ve got a "low" risk from the sun. You probably won't burn in twenty minutes, but if you’re planning on spending the whole afternoon outside—maybe checking out the "Woven" exhibit or hitting the dunes—sunscreen is still a smart move. The air is dry and the sun is direct.
Looking Ahead: The Cooling Trend
Enjoy the weather in Santa Maria California today because things are shifting. The ridge of high pressure that’s keeping us warm is going to start moving out by Wednesday.
The experts at the NWS Los Angeles office are already pointing toward a "significant cooling trend" starting midweek. We’re talking about a drop back into the mid-60s. Also, keep an eye on the sky starting tonight; there’s a small 10% to 30% chance of some "patchy dense fog" or low clouds rolling in from the coast by early Monday morning. It’s that classic Central Coast marine layer trying to make a comeback.
Actionable Advice for Today
- Get outside now: This is peak "outdoor lunch" weather. The 2 mph wind means your napkins won't fly away.
- Hydrate: 36% humidity is dry for us. You’ll feel it in your skin and throat if you aren’t drinking water.
- Plan for the drop: If you leave the house at 4:00 PM, dress for 70 degrees. By 7:00 PM, you’ll be wishing you had a coat.
- Fire Safety: Even though it’s not super windy here, it is dry. Be careful with anything that could spark, especially since the Los Padres area is already starting some prescribed burns nearby today.
Stay hydrated and enjoy the sun while it's here.