Fire/Heat Alerts
Air Quality Report (As of 8:00AM)
Good for all reporting locations.
High pressure will continue to dominate our weather through the end of the week. This will lead to above normal temperatures across the region. Another bout of offshore winds will develop today and Thursday and now weather alerts are in place (see below). So, the cooler coastal weather we’re experiencing at the beginning of the week won’t last. Thursday will likely be the warmest day of the week and then the ridge of high pressure will slowly break down through the weekend, leading to a slow cool-down for all areas.
Wednesday: Sunny but hazy for all areas. Warmer, with coastal highs in the 70s to low 80s and upper 80s to around 105ºF inland. The sea breeze may be briefly strong in the late afternoon, then breezy northerly winds over the hills developing late.
From the National Weather Service in Monterey…
*Heat Advisory*
… in effect for the Southern Salinas Valley, Arroyo Seco & San Antonio Valley from 11AM to 8PM Wednesday and for the entire viewing area outside of the coast 11AM to 8PM Thursday
High temperatures are forecast to range from 15 to 25 degrees above normal on Wednesday and Thursday for the Southern Salinas Valley. Temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s are expected, with local temperatures to around 105 in the hottest southern extent of the valley. Near record to record temperatures are possible.
… and in effect for the Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Clara Valley, San Juan/Hollister Valleys, the lower Salinas Valley, and Carmel Valley from 11AM to 8PM Thursday
Hot Temperatures are expected on Thursday, with afternoon highs generally forecast in the 90s near the coast with some interior locations getting into the 95-102 F range. This will result in continued increased risk of heat related
High temperatures are forecast to range from 15 to 25 degrees above normal on Thursday for most urban locations. Temperatures in the low 90s to low 100s are expected, with the hottest inland areas pushing to the mid-100s. Near record to record temperatures are possible.
Increased risk of heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur due to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures. People most vulnerable include those who spend extended periods outdoors, those without air conditioning, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness.
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.
*Fire Weather Watch*
… for the Santa Lucia Range and Los Padres National Forest from Wednesday evening through Friday afternoon.
Northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph, gusts 25 to 30 mph. Strongest winds above 2000 feet with strongest gusts above 2500 feet and during the overnight and early morning hours.
10 to 20 percent humidity, dropping as low as the single digits with little or no nighttime recovery or a tendency to lower into the single digits between 3 am and sunrise. Driest
above 2000 feet.
HIGHEST THREAT: The Dolan Fire and any new ignitions on the forest.
Any fires that start will spread rapidly.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
Overnight: A few low clouds will try to form around the coast overnight. Patchy fog possible. Expect lows in the 50s with 60s up in the hills.
Extended: The light offshore breezes over the ridges will continue into Thursday and Friday, keeping temperatures up and clouds away. The ridge will slowly break down through the weekend, so expect a cooling trend. Highs will likely remain above normal through Saturday, then more seasonable into early next week.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 52ºF
HIGH: 71ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 48ºF
HIGH: 83ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for October 7th - 13th 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.
