Current Air Quality & Forecast
Air Quality Forecast
March 5 – March 9: Low-pressure moving from the PNW to the Basin and Range will create a strong pressure gradient forcing an increase in wind speeds for the next few days. Higher elevations as well as the Salinas Valley will see sustained windspeeds of around 20 mph with gusts in excess of 30 mph. As the weekend closes out and the low-pressure system dissipates, ridging will take over, stabilizing atmospheric conditions. Temperatures will range from the mid-40s to the low-70s at the coast and low-40s to high-70s inland. Ozone levels should remain below State standards; therefore, ozone AQIs will remain GOOD. Fairly recent moisture should keep PM10 (dust) AQIs in the Salinas Valley at GOOD as well. As low-pressure remains in the region, good ventilation should help clear out any PM2.5 (smoke). As conditions stabilize following the passage of the low-pressure system, AQIs could reach into the MODERATE-UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS range. This is especially true for the San Lorenzo Valley where wood burning devices can exacerbate air quality.
Particulate Matter Sensor Network