Poor Air Quality / Hot Weather

High pressure remains in control keeping temperatures warm/hot on the Central Coast today. It will ease its grasp over the next few days, so temperatures will cool off by a few degrees. As the fires burn, lots of smoke can be seen across the Central Coast. Limit time outdoors.

*EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING*

-An Excessive Heat Warning remains in place through 9pm tonight for inland areas outside of the coastline.

-Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor
activities. 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.

-Temperatures will be in the mid 90s to 100s for inland areas.

Wednesday: The heat waves continues, with smoky conditions. High temperatures will be in the 70s-80s on the coast with 90s-100s inland. A few clouds possible, but lots of smoke, haze, and ash. Breezy at times.

Overnight: Partly cloudy, smoky, and warm. Low temperatures will be in the 50s-80s.

Thursday: Another smoky day. Temperatures cool by a few degrees with highs in the 70s-80s on the coast and 80s-100s inland.

Extended: Slight cooling late week, but many stay warm.

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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 54ºF
HIGH: 70ºF

--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 52ºF
HIGH: 86ºF

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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for August 21^st – 27^th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. Note: Little to no precipitation typically falls this time of year.

-El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
-Forecast into Winter: La Niña Watch

-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.