Intense Santa Ana winds are expected to whip up dust throughout the Inland Empire starting Thursday afternoon, raising health concerns and prompting the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a windblown dust advisory.
The advisory will be in effect from Wednesday evening to Friday evening, encompassing the Riverside metropolitan area, as well as the Coachella Valley and San Bernardino Valley, according to the AQMD.
“Areas of blowing sand and dust are predicted throughout this wind event, which may result in unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups,” according to an agency statement. “We encourage residents in areas directly impacted to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, and to avoid vigorous physical activity.”
People with asthma and other respiratory complications are advised to be particularly cautious about exposure.
According to the National Weather Service, winds averaging 20 to 30 mph, with gusts to 55 mph, are anticipated in parts of the region, with the highest intensity winds in the San Gorgonio Pass and around higher elevation slopes.
A red flag warning is in effect from 2 p.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Friday in Riverside and San Bernardino counties because of the stiff winds and low humidity, which elevate wildfire risks.