The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown dust advisory in effect until noon Monday for the Coachella Valley.
The advisory was activated at noon Sunday and was set to conclude midday Monday. The impacted areas include Desert Hot SPrings, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Indio, and Mecca.
“Periods of elevated particle pollution levels in the Coachella Valley are expected to continue through Monday morning due to gusty winds from the northwest,” regulators said.
Air quality index levels were expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups as a result of blowing dust, SCAQMD officials said.
The SCAQMD advised the public to limit their exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoid vigorous physical activity.
“Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air,” the group advised.
The SCAQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. Air quality alerts can be found at aqmd.gov.