Dust Advisory Remains In Effect For Coachella Valley, Pass Area

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended its windblown dust advisory through Wednesday morning due to periods of high winds expected to blow in the San Gorgonio Pass area, Coachella Valley and elsewhere in eastern Riverside County.

The advisory began at 3 p.m. Saturday and was initially scheduled to expire at 8 a.m. Monday, however, the South Coast AQMD announced that the advisory was extended until 10 a.m. Wednesday. Wind gusts up to 40 mph were expected.

Levels of overnight particulate matter 10 micrometers and smaller (PM10) in Mecca were deemed "unhealthy for sensitive groups" by the agency, while PM10 levels in Indio and Palm Springs were labeled as "moderate."

People who find themselves in areas directly impacted by high levels of windblown dust or ash were urged to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and to avoid vigorous physical activity.

People who remain inside were encouraged to run air conditioning or an air purifier if available and to avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring outside air inside.

To minimize dust pollution, people in affected areas can stabilize loose soil outdoors and slow down if driving on dirt roads.

Air quality can be checked in real time on the South Coast AQMD app or at www.AQMD.gov