A windblown dust advisory was issued Sunday in the Coachella Valley due to expected gusts of 40 to 50 mph in the area.
The advisory will remain effective until at least 9 a.m. Tuesday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District announced.
On Sunday, air quality index levels were expected to reach the unhealthy category or higher. By Monday morning, wind speeds were expected to decrease, resulting in AQI levels from good to moderate, the agency said.
Wind speeds were expected to increase again after 2 p.m. Monday and through Tuesday morning, resulting in unhealthy AQI again, according to the SCAQMD.
For those in impacted areas, officials advised the following:
— Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter;
— Avoid vigorous physical activity;
— Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier and if possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air;
— Help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads.
Updates on air quality information by area are available at aqmd.gov/AQImap.