Current Air Quality & Forecast
Air Quality Forecast
February 9 – February 13: An approaching low-pressure system will bring cool and wet weather to the forecast area this week. Rain showers will begin on Tuesday afternoon and, other than a possible break on Friday, it will persist into the weekend. Rainfall will typically be light to moderate, but chances for storms will increase as the atmosphere becomes more instable. Lightning strikes and small hail may develop with some localized storms. Winds will be light to moderate at lower elevations, but gusts of 35-45 mph are expected (75% chance) in the higher terrains of the Santa Lucia and Diablo Ranges. The National Weather Service has also forecasted a 25% chance for 45-55 mph wind gusts at these locations. The stormy, unstable atmosphere will enhance atmospheric mixing and ventilation of pollutants, keeping PM2.5 (smoke) AQI in the range of GOOD to MODERATE – UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS, particularly in the San Lorenzo Valley where there may be a higher concentration of overnight woodsmoke accumulation. PM10 (dust) will be suppressed by wet conditions and high soil moisture, so the AQI should remain GOOD. Cloud cover and cooler temperatures will help keep ozone levels within State standards and therefore ozone AQIs will remain GOOD.
Particulate Matter Sensor Network