Air Quality Forecast

August 31: An unusually deep marine layer and approaching low-pressure trough increases the likelihood of coastal drizzle in the morning. Temperatures will also remain cool with highs varying between 57 degrees to 68 degrees around the bay. The Salinas Valley and San Benito County will warm up to the mid-70s by the afternoon. Steady onshore breezes of 5-10 mph are expected, and localized gusts near beaches and through valley gaps may reach 20-30 mph. This strong flow and the deep marine layer are favorable for atmospheric mixing aloft and minimizing wildfire smoke impacts over the region’s most heavily populated areas. Transport winds during the day will then push smoke plumes north and northeastward away over the Salinas Valley. Unfortunately, the topography of Big Sur and northwesterly surface winds will likely cause smoke to pool in canyons and draws and track south down the Hwy 1 corridor towards San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Therefore, PM2.5 (smoke) AQIs will be GOOD to MODERATE. PM10 (dust) AQIs will generally remain GOOD and up to MODERATE in areas where heavy winds kick up dust and possibly ash. Ozone levels should also remain below State standards and the AQI will be GOOD.

MBARD Smoke Sensor Network

 

Regulatory Air Monitoring Stations