Windblown Dust Advisory Issued In Riverside County Until Sunday

COACHELLA, CA — The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown dust advisory Friday in the Coachella Valley.

The advisory will be in effect from 5 p.m. Friday until 11 a.m. Sunday in the affected areas including Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Coachella, Indio and La Quinta.

Blowing dust due to the gusty winds of up to 60 miles per hour was predicted to cause the air quality index to reach unhealthy or higher levels, especially in the northern Coachella Valley.

The agency said wind speeds are predicted to decrease during Saturday in the daytime with good to moderate air quality levels, but winds were expected to pick up after 5 p.m. Saturday and the highest wind speeds predicted overnight the same day.

Residents in the affected areas were advised to limit outdoor activity, remain indoors with windows and doors closed and use air conditioning or an air purifier.

Air quality can vary by hour depending on wind conditions. Current air quality by area is available at aqmd.gov/AQImap.