Air Quality Alert

CAZ061-065-181500-
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass near Banning-
Including the cities of Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City,
Palm Desert, Palm Desert Country, La Quinta, and Coachella
248 PM PDT Sat May 16 2026

...AIR QUALITY ALERT DUE TO HARMFUL PARTICLE POLLUTION LEVELS FROM
WINDBLOWN DUST...

* WHAT...The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to
  harmful levels of particle pollution from windblown dust. Visit
  https://www.aqmd.gov/alertinfo to check current and forecasted air
  quality levels.

* WHERE...The Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass. Levels of
  particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on
  emissions and local weather conditions.

* WHEN...Through 8 AM Monday.

* IMPACTS... Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and
  cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and
  lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections.
  Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with
  lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant,
  children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater
  risk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To protect your health, check air quality levels and act as needed:

    * When Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are "Unhealthy for
      Sensitive Groups" (orange), sensitive groups as specified
      above should limit extended or intense outdoor activity.
    * When AQI is "Unhealthy" (red), everyone may experience health
      impacts. Sensitive groups should avoid extended time outdoors.
    * When AQI is "Very Unhealthy" (purple), sensitive groups should
      avoid all outdoor physical activity. Everyone else should
      avoid extended or intense outdoor activity.
    * When AQI is "Hazardous" (maroon), everyone should avoid all
      outdoor physical activity.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

To help keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor:

    * Keep windows and doors closed
    * Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier
    * Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in
      outside air if you have other methods to stay cool
    * Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles,
      incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden
      equipment

To help minimize outdoor particle pollution levels:

    * Carpool, telecommute, reduce trips, or take public
      transportation
    * Slow down if driving on dirt roads
    * Stabilize loose soils


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SS