Current Air Quality & Forecast
Air Quality Forecast
August 20 – August 24: High-pressure over the western states juxtaposed with a low-pressure system over the Eastern Pacific has been the main driver of weather patterns over the past few days. Beginning Thursday, the low will move inland and begin a cool down that should last through the weekend. Along with the onset of the trough is increased onshore flow and a deepening of the marine layer that should provide additional cooling at the coast. This is good news for the Timber Fire as morning fog and northwesterly winds will help keep things cool and transport smoke over the Santa Lucias away from populated areas. As of this forecast, smoke impacts (PM2.5) have been generally MODERATE. MBARD expects GOOD-MODERATE AQIs as long as northwesterly flow is maintained. Temperatures will range from the mid-50s to the high-70s at the coast and low-60s to high-90s inland. Despite warm temperatures inland, 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.
MBARD Smoke Sensor Network