Air Quality Forecast

August 25: A marine layer of 1000-1500 feet will maintain cool, damp conditions along the coast and in valleys. High temperatures will be in the 70s around the bay, but inland temperatures will rise into the 80s and peak around 100 degrees in southern Monterey County. No precipitation is anticipated, and surface winds will be between 5-15 mph during the day while afternoon winds are expected to gust between 20-30 mph. Smoke columns from the Timber Fire are projected to remain aloft within transport winds and carried over the Salinas Valley and San Juan Bautista, preventing widespread ground-level public health impacts. Coastal areas like Santa Cruz and Monterey will see largely clear conditions, though communities directly bordering the wilderness perimeters and interior valleys may experience hazy skies and a persistent smell of smoke, particularly during nocturnal cooling periods when smoke tends to settle. Therefore, PM2.5 (smoke) AQIs are expected to be GOOD to MODERATE. PM10 (dust) AQIs will be GOOD but may reach MODERATE in central and southern Monterey County along the Hwy 101 corridor due to afternoon gusts and agricultural activity. Ozone levels should also remain below State standards and the AQI will be GOOD.

MBARD Smoke Sensor Network

 

Regulatory Air Monitoring Stations