Heat & Fire Alerts In Place
Air Quality Report (As of 12:30AM)
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in Hollister
Good to moderate for all other 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 strengthen tonight and will last through Friday, pushing warm air to the coast and increasing fire danger. Thursday will likely be the hottest 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. Moisture may stream into the region at the end of next week, increasing the chance of precipitation.
From the National Weather Service in Monterey…
***RED FLAG WARNING***
… for the Santa Lucia Range and Los Padres National Forest through 6PM Friday.
Expect northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph, gusts 25 to 30 mph. Strongest winds will be found 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 in the forest.
Any fires that start will spread rapidly.
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. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
From the National Weather Service in Monterey…
*Heat Advisory*
… in effect for the entire viewing area outside of the coast from 11AM to 8PM Thursday
High temperatures are forecast to range from 15 to 25 degrees above normal on Thursday for most of the viewing area outside of the immediate coast. 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. Overnight lows will remain mild and in the 60s-70s.
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.
Overnight: Mostly clear with dry offshore winds over the hills. Lows in the 50s for most areas, but 60s to 70s up in the hills.
Thursday: Sunny, hazy, and hot. Dry offshore winds over the hills with a light sea breeze on the south/east sides of the bay kicking in for the afternoon. Expect coastal highs in the mid-70s to mid-90s—warmest on the north side of the bay—and upper 90s to around 107ºF inland.
Friday: Sunny, hazy, and hot, but with a stronger sea breeze in the afternoon. Dry offshore winds continue in the hills. Expect coastal highs in the low 70s to low 90s—warmest on the north side of the bay—and mid-90s to around 105ºF.
Extended: The light offshore breezes over the ridges will continue into Saturday morning, then taper off. Weakening high pressure and a strengthening sea breeze will lead to widespread cooling Saturday & Sunday along with the return of widespread low clouds. More seasonable weather can be expected next week under mostly sunny skies. However, tropical moisture could stream in late in the week. Stay tuned!
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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 8th - 14th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
-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.
