Air Quality Forecast

February 19 – February 23:  Thursday precipitation probabilities will likely drop rapidly for the region as the cold front moves off to the east.  Another low-pressure system and cold front are expected to swing down from the North Pacific this weekend, however; most of the impacts expected from that system will be relegated to the PNW.  The Central Coast, being at the periphery of the front, will more than likely receive some moisture. Modeling suggests 3” by mid-week next week. Temperatures will range from the low-40s to the low-60s at the coast and mid-30s to high-60s inland. Ozone levels should remain below State standards; therefore, ozone AQIs will remain GOOD. Moisture should keep PM10 (dust) AQIs in the Salinas Valley at GOOD as well. As low-pressure remains in the region, decent ventilation should help clear out any PM2.5 (smoke). That being said, AQIs could reach into the MODERATE-UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS range. This is especially true for the San Lorenzo Valley where woodsmoke usage due to cooler conditions can exacerbate air quality.

Particulate Matter Sensor Network

 

Regulatory Air Monitoring Stations