Heatwave, Air Quality Alert In Coachella Valley: Palm Desert Weather

PALM DESERT, CA — Temperatures in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and across the Inland Empire are expected to remain relatively unchanged until Thursday, with readings in the upper 90s to low 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

An Air Quality Alert was in place for much of Coachella Valley, including Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and surrounding areas, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said, due to "harmful levels of particle pollution from windblown dust."

During an Air Quality Alert, particle pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious health problems such as asthma attacks, symptoms of heart and lung disease, and an increased risk of lung infections. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or
heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk, according to an NWS statement.

The particle-fouled air is due in part to windblown dust from the Pass Area and across Coachella Valley. Meanwhile, hot conditions will continue through Wednesday for much of the Inland Empire, meteorologists say.

The current dust and air quality advisory was effective for the Pass Area until at least 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Winds from the west with gusts up to 50 mph are predicted through the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning at times through Tuesday morning. Gusts up to 38 mph are predicted in Indio.

The winds could elevate particle pollution levels, resulting in an air quality index in the unhealthy category or higher.

The SCAQMD advised people in the affected areas to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, avoid use of whole-house fans and to avoid rigorous physical activity.

A gradual cooling will begin across the area overnight Wednesday into Thursday, bringing breezy west winds and lowering temperatures as the weekend arrives.

Here's your forecast for Palm Desert:

Monday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 114. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Monday night
Mostly clear, with a low around 79. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 110. East wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 79. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Wednesday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 110. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 80.

Juneteenth
Sunny and hot, with a high near 110.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 78.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 108.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 104.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 71.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 101.