Air Quality Forecast

March 9 – March 13: The forecast region is transitioning from last week’s low-pressure system to a stabilizing ridge of high pressure. Temperatures will gradually increase as the week progresses and calm winds will reduce ventilation. High will be in the mid-60s along the coast and low 70s inland, with overnight lows dipping into the mid-40s. Temperatures will reach mid to upper 70s by Wednesday and may eventually hit record highs at the weekend. Northwesterly winds will be generally light, averaging 1-5 mph, with occasional gusts around 15 mph in the Salinas Valley and at higher elevations. PM10 (dust) AQI should remain GOOD. Reduced ventilation may increase PM2.5 (smoke) AQIs to MODERATE-UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS, particularly in the San Lorenzo Valley and other communities where wood smoke from home heating tends to accumulate overnight. Ozone levels should remain below State standards and therefore ozone AQIs will remain GOOD.

Particulate Matter Sensor Network

 

Regulatory Air Monitoring Stations