SmokeTemplate_9325_image002.png,pc_logo_rgb
Smoke Call Status:  Mon - Fri at 1300 PDT (excluding holidays)
Issued: 12:30 PM   Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Discussion - Wednesday & Thursday
A weak upper trough will graze  N CA on Wed.  This feature may lead to some light precip across NW CA along with the potential of isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening periods which may extend into the N mtns.  Main impact of trough passage will be increasing S-SW winds and eventually gusty westerlies.  Expect W & SW 25-35 mph gusts across the Shasta Vly and NE CA along with weserly gusts to 30 mph across coastal gaps, Greater Bay Area and Delta Wed afternoon. Winds diminish significantly on Thu but some breeziness is still likely Thu afternoon around the Bay Area and Delta.  Horizontal and strong vertical mixing on Wed will maintain excellent dispersion and air quality.  Thursday's lighter wind field may expose small pockets of higher PMs but general air quality should remain favorable.
Transport winds
Mixing Heights
(mph) (ft AGL)
Wednesday Afternoon Wednesday Afternoon
 
Wednesday Night Wednesday Night
Click on images to enlarge
Transport winds
Mixing Heights
Thursday Afternoon Thursday Afternoon
Extended Outlook:  Friday - Sunday
Weak trough influences will be observed across the N state Fri and Sat for onshore flow.  Temperatures will climb a bit from Thu while lighter westerlies prevail.  Good vertical mixing will also be present thus air quality should be favorable.  Late Sat and Sun a trough drops south across NV while an upper ridge builds off the coast.  These two features will combine to bring brisk N Flow to N CA with the Sac Vly and NE CA seeing gusty Northerlies of 20-30 mph. Elsewhere N transport winds should maintain good dispersion across most areas especially when combined with increasing temperatures and plentiful sunshine.  
Helpful Resources:
Air Resources Board
San Joaquin Air Quality
AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
North Zone Predictive Services Weather Page
South Zone Predictive Services Weather Page
NWS California Fire Weather Page
NWS Spot Forecast Request
This Product was developed by the Predictive Services group, located at the North Zone Coordination Center in Redding, California