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Abstract: Methods are presented to extract intra-seasonal meteorological patterns at three scales to explain 24-h fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution events: evolving large-scale meteorological scenarios, synoptic regimes driving diurnal variability near the surface, and localized meteorological triggers. The methods were applied to understand how winter weather conditions impacted PM2.5 around the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA). Analyzing data across 12 winters (November–March) ensured robust characterization of the SFBA conditions. SFBA 24-h PM2.5 exceedances (35μg m−3) required several simultaneous characteristics: a ridge of aloft high pressure moving over SFBA, providing weak surface pressure gradients over Central California; persistent easterly flows through SFBA extending vertically to around the 925-hPa pressure level; orographically channeled winds resulting from stability; enhanced nocturnal cooling under clear-sky conditions providing for enhanced drainage flows off the Central California slopes; and at least two consecutive days of these conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]