A windblown dust advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District for the Coachella Valley was extended Saturday.
The advisory, which was set to expire at 8 a.m. Sunday, will now be in effect through at least 8 a.m. Monday in the areas of Cathedral City, Indio, Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Mecca, La Quinta and Coachella due to air quality reaching unhealthy levels, officials said.
Gusty winds of up to 50 mph were expected to cause periods of elevated particle pollution, with the western Coachella Valley expecting the highest winds, up to 75 mph, on Saturday and Sunday night.
For those in impacted areas, officials advised the following:
— Limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, or seek alternate shelter;
— Avoid vigorous physical activity;
— Run air conditioning and/or an air purifier, and
— Help minimize dust pollution by slowing down if driving on dirt roads.
Air quality information by area can be found at aqmd.gov/AQImap.