Hot & Smoky
Air Quality Report (As of 7:00PM)
Big Sur 154 Unhealthy
Carmel Valley 137 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Gonzales 113 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Greenfield 133 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Hollister 155 Unhealthy
King City 155 Unhealthy
Monterey 64 Moderate
San Lorenzo Valley 112 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Salinas 97 Moderate
Santa Cruz 113 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Soledad 133 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Watsonville 116 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Hot, smoky conditions continue into Friday with a big ridge of high pressure settled in over the region. Its associated offshore flow will mean the heat reaches all the way to the coast and fire danger remains very high. The ridge will start to break down this weekend, allowing for region-wide cooling, a refreshing gulp of clean air off the ocean, and the return of low clouds & fog. Moisture from what is now Hurricane Marie will stream into the area late next week and could lead to some rain. It’s still too far out to tell at this point, however.
From the National Weather Service in Monterey…
***RED FLAG WARNING***
… for the Santa Lucia Range and Los Padres National Forest along with the Diablo Range in Santa Clara County and the Santa Cruz Mountains extended through 6AM Saturday
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 until 8PM Friday
High temperatures are forecast to range from 15 to 25 degrees above normal 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. Additionally, overnight temperatures will only cool into the 60s near the coast and in the cooler valleys while 70s to lower 80s are likely in the hills—providing little relief from daytime heat.
With wildfires burning around the region, smoke and haze will also continue to impact the Central Coast. A cooling trend is expected this upcoming weekend.
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: No clouds but plenty of smoke with unhealthy air quality at times. Dry northerly winds continue over the hills with light winds in the valleys. Lows in the 50s to low 60s for most areas, but 70s to low 80s up in the hills.
Friday: Smoky and hot, but with a slightly 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 103ºF inland.
Saturday: After another warm, dry night in the hills, offshore winds will slowly taper off through the morning hours. Saturday will still be quite warm for most areas with 70s-80s on the coast and 90s to low 100s inland. Smoky at times.
Extended: Weakening high pressure and a strengthening sea breeze will lead to widespread cooling 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 9th - 15th 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.
