Windblown Dust Advisory in Effect for Coachella Valley Through Sunday Morning

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) has issued a Windblown Dust Advisory in effect until Sunday at 8:00 a.m., warning residents of potentially hazardous air quality conditions due to strong winds in the region.

According to the advisory, winds from the west with gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour are expected in the northwestern Coachella Valley, particularly in areas below the Banning Pass, through Sunday morning. These high winds are likely to stir up large amounts of dust across the valley.

As a result, PM10 levels—airborne particulate matter measuring 10 microns or smaller—may rise into the Hazardous range on the Air Quality Index (AQI), especially in the northwestern parts of the valley. The worst air quality conditions are expected between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Health and Safety Recommendations

Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, children, and older adults, are urged to take precautions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible, keeping windows and doors tightly closed.

• Avoid vigorous outdoor physical activity to minimize inhalation of dust particles.

• Use air conditioning or an air purifier, if available. Avoid using swamp coolers or whole-house fans that draw air from outside.

• Drive cautiously on unpaved roads to prevent additional dust from being kicked up.

• If you manage land or open areas, stabilize loose soil to help prevent dust pollution.

The South Coast AQMD will continue to monitor conditions and issue updates as needed. Residents can check the latest air quality levels at www.aqmd.gov or by downloading the AQMD mobile app.