Current Air Quality & Forecast
Air Quality Forecast
December 11 – December 15: Due to the current high-pressure pattern over the region, stagnant conditions will persist into the weekend. As these conditions persist, expect overnight AQIs, especially in the District’s Smoke Sensitive Areas (SLV and Carmel Valley) to reach MODERATE-UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. Beginning on Sunday and into Monday expect a return to a more winter-like zonal flow pattern and potential precipitation that should allow for scouring of the atmosphere and an improvement in AQIs. Expect coastal temperatures to range from mid-40s to high-60s and inland temperatures to range from the low-40s to mid-70s. Ozone levels should remain below State standards; therefore, ozone AQIs will remain GOOD. Reduced wind speeds into the weekend will keep PM10 (dust) AQIs in the Salinas Valley at GOOD as well. While high-pressure persists, expect a deterioration in ventilation. This could bring PM2.5 AQI (smoke) levels to MODERATE and UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS (USG). This will be further exacerbated by overnight wood burning, particularly in the SLV.
Particulate Matter Sensor Network