Intricacies of Santa Barbara microclimates

SANTA BARBARA – Calif. Santa Barbara is a destination spot for many because of the beauty, lifestyle and the almost “perfect” year-round weather. This wonderful city is also home to a natural phenomenon, microclimates.

A microclimate is a localized climate that differs from the surrounding areas, this can mean sunshine and 70s a few streets away from clouds and cool weather. These microclimates are shaped by the unique geography, ocean currents, elevation changes and coastal winds. Add the ingredients together to create a dynamic and ever changing forecast.

Santa Barbara lies along an east to west coastline which creates a “coastal bowl” that traps warm air and fog. We can also thank the mountains and marine layer for blocking inland heat and cold, keeping winters milder and summers less extreme. With changing elevations all over the city, different microclimates appear…

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