Windblown Dust Advisory Issued For Banning, Coachella Valley Until Aug. 15

PALM DESERT, CA — The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown dust advisory Thursday afternoon for the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass area that will remain in effect into Saturday.

The advisory was issued at 4 p.m. Thursday and will end at 1 a.m. Saturday for the areas of Banning, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Mecca, La Quinta, and Palm Desert.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District said the affected areas will experience gusty winds of nearly 50 mph and spread dust. In addition, it said loose dust deposited from storms earlier this week could easily get airborne again during strong winds.

The agency said conditions were expected to reach "unhealthy" levels overnight on Thursday and Friday in the western Coachella Valley. Air quality may be "unhealthy for sensitive groups" in other areas of the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass.

The agency also warned that isolated thunderstorms south of the Salton Sea could generate more dust Thursday afternoon and Friday in the eastern Coachella Valley.

Affected residents were advised to limit outdoor activity, keep their windows and doors closed, avoid rigorous physical activity, use an air conditioner or an air purifier, and minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils, and driving slow on dirt roads.

More information on air quality conditions by area is available at aqmd.gov/AQImap.