The Air District is now accepting applications for its new zero-emission transport refrigeration unit, or TRU, funding program, aimed at reducing air pollution from diesel-powered refrigeration units used in the transport of perishable goods.
Learn about Sonoma County - its climate, potential air pollution concerns, and current air quality. You can also view upcoming Air District events in Sonoma County and read about local efforts to improve air quality.
Sonoma County lies to the west of Lake and Napa counties, north of Marin County, and south of Mendocino County. The Air District only has jurisdiction over the southern portion of the county, which includes Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Sonoma. Two Sonoma County representatives sit on the Air District’s Board of Directors.
The Air District is now accepting applications for its new zero-emission transport refrigeration unit, or TRU, funding program, aimed at reducing air pollution from diesel-powered refrigeration units used in the transport of perishable goods.
The Air District has issued 3 Notices of Violation to Valero for violations of air quality regulations and/or permit conditions for the May 5 fire. This is an ongoing investigation, and more violations may be issued.
The Air District is issuing an air quality advisory for smoke in Southern Solano, northern Contra Costa, and northwestern Alameda counties, specifically communities between I-80 and I-680 bridges (Martinez, Pacheco, Concord and Port Chicago), but with some impact possible southward to Oakland, due to a fire at Valero.
The Air District is announcing the start of the Spare the Air summer smog season, which runs from May to October in the Bay Area.
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Sonoma County’s climate is largely affected by the topography of the Petaluma, Cotati, and Sonoma valleys. Temperatures are similar in the Petaluma and Cotati valleys, while Sonoma Valley temperatures are warmer, similar to Napa Valley. Average daily temperatures range from moderate overnight to hot during the day in the summer, and cool overnight to moderate during the day in the winter. Wind patterns in the Petaluma and Cotati valleys are strongly influenced by the Petaluma Gap, with calm to mild winds typical in both Santa Rosa and Petaluma. During late afternoons in summer, fog is common in the Petaluma and Cotati valleys, and can persist until late morning the following day. Sunshine in the Sonoma Valley is plentiful. Annual rainfall ranges from 24 inches in Petaluma, 29 inches in Sonoma, and 30 inches in Santa Rosa.
Interactive Air Monitoring Stations Map
Ozone and fine particle pollution, or PM2.5, are the major regional air pollutants of concern in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ozone is primarily a problem in the summer, and fine particle pollution in the winter.
Although much of the interior of Sonoma County can get quite hot during summer, air monitoring results show that this area experiences some of the lowest ozone levels in the entire Bay Area. Gaps in the hills to the west allow fresh marine air inland on all but the hottest summer days.
PM2.5 can become elevated, particularly due to wood burning during the holiday season, but once again, air monitoring results show that this region has some of the lowest levels of PM2.5 in the entire Bay Area.
Last Updated: 4/21/2017