Current Air Quality & Forecast
Air Quality Forecast
October 16 – October 20: Friday looks to be the peak of the current warming trend with offshore winds bringing warm and dry air to the Central Coast. As we enter the weekend, high pressure will slowly subside and give way to a low pressure system that will bring precipitation to the region. Expect precipitation to begin on Monday night/Tuesday morning. Rain totals look to be around 0.25” for higher elevations (Santa Cruz Mountains and the Santa Lucias). Temperatures will range from the low-50s to the mid-80s at the coast and low-50s to mid-90s inland. Due to the cooling trend, ozone production will be at normal levels; therefore, ozone AQIs will remain GOOD. As low-pressure influences conditions, expect an increase in atmospheric mixing. As a result, PM2.5 (smoke) AQIs will remain GOOD. 20 mph wind speeds with up to 30 mph gusts in the Salinas Valley could bring PM10 (dust) AQIs to MODERATE. However, the incoming precipitation should keep PM10 AQIs to a minimum.
MBARD Smoke Sensor Network
Click Here for a description of the Air Quality Index