Air Quality Forecast

September 4 – September 8: A series of low-pressure systems generated over the PNW and Northern California will influence conditions over the weekend and into early next week keeping things on the cooler side for September. Regarding the Timber and Plaskett Fires in Big Sur, GOES satellite imaging Friday morning reveals northwesterly surface flow at the coast combined with westerly transport winds. Expect smoke generated from the fires to be transported east into Fort Hunter Liggett and Lockwood with diffuse smoke lingering over the southern portion of the Salinas Valley.  Looking forward to early next week, smoke transport will depend on the movement of the low-pressure systems to the north.  Modeling indicates mid-week; a low could migrate southward.  This would effectively shift winds southernly and potentially transport smoke to the Monterey Peninsula. This southward migration of the low is associated with precipitation, which is good news for fire suppression activities. Expect GOOD to UNHEALTHY PM2.5 (smoke) AQIs, with excursions into the VERY UNHEALTHY range for communities directly downwind of the fires. Temperatures will range from the low-50s to the mid-70s at the coast and low-50s to low-90s inland. Cooler temperatures inland indicate ozone production will be at normal levels; therefore, ozone AQIs will remain GOOD.  20 mph wind speeds with 30 mph gusts in the Salinas Valley could bring PM10 AQIs to MODERATE.

More Information: Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire Smoke Outlook

MBARD Smoke Sensor Network

Click Here for a description of the Air Quality Index

Regulatory Air Monitoring Stations