Saturday, December 16, 2017

Saturday, December 16, 2017 - Afternoon Satellite - Thomas Fire

Westerly winds with moderately high relative humidities along the coastal plain, Goleta into Montecito, have battled all day with the strong NNE down-canyon winds in the foothills, assisting firefighters in keeping fire above homes.

Lofting smoke plumes sending much of the fine particulates (PM2.5) up and well offshore, while heavier smoke particles (PM10 and ash) fall in addition to flowing offshore.
Strong down-canyon winds (technically NOT sundowners, but no time to quibble now) should continue into the early evening hours before rotating around to a more NE Santa Ana-type flow.  Expect higher smoke concentrations at breathing levels tonight along the South Coast. Ojai gets hit no matter the wind direction for a couple more days.

Primary active fire areas are above Fillmore, around Rose Valley, and in the Montecito foothills.

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