Fire & Heat Alerts

Air Quality Report (As of 6:30PM)
All reporting stations are good to moderate.

High pressure will continue to dominate the West Coast with dry, offshore flow lasting through the end of the week. Unseasonably high temperatures along with high fire danger can be expected through Friday. The weather will moderate through the weekend with much more seasonable temperatures by early next week. A few low clouds may return to the coast as early as Sunday.

… from the National Weather Service in Monterey:
Critical fire weather conditions are possible mid to late this week across the higher elevations of the north and east bay as well as the Santa Cruz Mountains. Some of these winds will possibly mix down into the east bay valleys. Winds will begin to increase early Wednesday morning, especially over the Diablo Range. Significantly stronger and gustier winds will develop and become more widespread in the hills Wednesday evening and peak overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, then diminish during the day Thursday. An uptick in wind speeds is likely again on Thursday night, but winds then are not expected to be as strong as those Wednesday night. In addition to gusty offshore winds, an extremely dry air mass will move in from the north and northeast. Afternoon relative humidity values beginning Wednesday are forecast to drop as low as the teens, with some single digit RH values possible. Little to no overnight recoveries are anticipated. Winds are anticipated to subside over all areas by Friday afternoon.

*RED FLAG WARNING*
… in effect until 11AM Friday for the Diablo Range in Santa Clara County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

WIND: North to northeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph. Higher peaks and ridges can expect gusts of 50 to 55mph. Strongest winds are anticipated Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.

HUMIDITY: Daytime humidity values will drop as low as 8 to 20 percent with little to no nighttime recoveries.

Any fires that start will likely spread rapidly due to the combination of dry fuels, strong and gusty north-northeasterly winds, and very low humidities.
 
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Overnight: Clear and mild overnight. Gusty offshore winds over the hills. Expect coastal and inland valley lows ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s, with 60s to 70s up in the hills.

Thursday: Sunny and hot. Expect coastal highs in the upper 70s to mid-90s with widespread 90s to low 100s inland. Gusty over the hills at times. A weak sea breeze will develop on the coast in the afternoon.


…from the National Weather Service in Monterey:
*Heat Advisory*
… for the entire KION viewing area from 11AM Thursday until 9PM Friday.

High temperatures are forecast to range from 15 to 25 degrees above normal for most interior locations. Temperatures in the upper 80s to low 100s are expected, with the hottest inland areas pushing to 101-103. Near record to record- breaking temperatures are forecasted. Additionally, overnight temperatures will only cool into the upper 50s to lower 60s near the coast and in the cooler valleys while 70s to lower 80s are likely in the hills, providing little relief from the daytime heat.

Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.  Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Friday: Expect a repeat performance of Thursday with plentiful sunshine, coastal highs in the upper 70s to mid-90s, and widespread 90s to low 100s inland. Offshore winds weaken over the hills. A weak sea breeze will develop on the coast in the afternoon.

Extended: Temperatures will slowly cool through the weekend, but expect another very warm and sunny day on Saturday. The sea breeze will be stronger on Sunday and may eventually bring a few low clouds back to the region. More seasonable weather can be expected next week under mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies.

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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 50ºF
HIGH: 70ºF

--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 46ºF
HIGH: 80ºF

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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for October 22^nd – 28^th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and BELOW normal precipitation. 
 
-El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
-Forecast into Winter: La Niña Advisory

-Area drought status: Moderate drought for much of Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties, Abnormally dry on the east shore of the bay into San Benito County. No drought classification for much of Monterey County outside of the Gabilan Range.