Weekend Dust Advisory Issued For Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown dust advisory through Sunday morning due to periods of high winds expected to blow in the San Gorgonio Pass area and Coachella Valley.

The advisory is set to take effect at 5 p.m. Friday, lasting through 10 a.m. Sunday, according to the agency. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are expected in the San Gorgonio Pass.

Windblown dust is expected to cause Air Quality Index (AQI) levels to reach a designation of "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" or more severe, the South Coast AQMD said.

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 at the bottom of the home page.