...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING FOR STRONG NORTHWEST TO NORTH WINDS ALONG WITH LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND HOT TEMPERATURES FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND SOUTH COAST OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY AS WELL AS THE VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND INTERSTATE 5 CORRIDOR... .Strong northwest to north winds, hot temperatures, and low relative humidity will produce the potential for critical fire- weather conditions late Wednesday through early Thursday. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Fire Weather Watch for strong northwest to north winds along with low relative humidity and hot temperatures, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.

* WINDS...Northwest to north winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph, strongest in Sundowner wind prone areas of southern Santa Barbara County.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 25 percent.

* IMPACTS...If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior, rapid fire growth, and long range spotting, which could threaten life and property. The hot air mass will also contribute to the potential for significant vertical plume growth.

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf expected. Potential thunderstorms could produce dangerous lightning.

* WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches, Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches.

* WHEN...From Sunday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore. Lightning strikes can harm individuals that are struck.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A south to southwest swell will affect the coastal waters through the week. With the longer period swell, the potential for larger surf and a greater risk for rip currents will be likely. High tides are expected to continue through this weekend with Monday being the peak of 7.0 to 7.6 ft above MLLW. With the high tides and south swell, there is the potential for some minor coastal flooding in low lying areas. Another concern will be the potential for lightning starting Sunday with a 10-20% of thunderstorms possible.

* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory starting Sunday, temperatures of 85 to 95 expected. For the Extreme Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 92 to 105 possible.

* WHERE...Eastern San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Susana Mountains, and Western San Fernando Valley.

* WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, from 10 AM Sunday to 10 AM PDT Tuesday. For the Extreme Heat Watch, from Tuesday morning through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness for anyone, especially for the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors. There is a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors.