Cool and Smoky
AIR QUALITY (PM2.5 AQI as of 8:00AM)
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the Salinas Valley
Good to moderate for all areas in lower elevations, but likely unhealthy above the marine layer.
Cooler weather is expected in the coming days as high pressure eases over the region and increased smoke from wildfires blocks out sunshine. Weak high pressure will then preside over the West Coast into the weekend, but onshore flow will keep temperatures close to normal. The pattern will remain somewhat blocked up, so no major changes are expected. However, slowly dissipating smoke will allow for a slow warm-up.
Thursday: Patchy low clouds near the coast, otherwise widespread smoke. Cool, with coastal highs in the low to mid 60s with 70s to 80s inland. Breezy for inland valleys during the afternoon.
Overnight: Low clouds for the coast and nearby valleys with patchy fog and drizzle possible. Expect lows in the 50s for most areas.
Friday: Patchy low clouds near the coast, otherwise widespread smoke. Cool, with coastal highs in the 60s with 70s to 80s inland. Breezy for inland valleys during the afternoon.
Extended: Low clouds will be a bit more of a fixture on the coast as we head into the weekend with seasonable to slightly cool temperatures expected both on the coast and inland. Some warming out of the weekend.ADVERTISING
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 54ºF
HIGH: 72ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 50ºF
HIGH: 86ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for September 18th – 23rd 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.
