The Coachella Valley is expected to have unhealthy air quality over the weekend as smoke and ash from several ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties drift into the area.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an air quality alert for the region Friday night, with wildfire smoke forecast to linger until 5 p.m. Saturday and windblown dust likely until 10 p.m. Sunday.
Over the weekend, Santa Ana winds are expected to reach 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. In the valley, the strongest winds are expected from 5 p.m. Saturday to midday Sunday.
“High winds may also disperse ash from the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Kenneth, Line, Airport, and Bridge fire burn scars,” the South Coast AQMD said in an advisory. “Wind speeds and PM10 levels are expected to decrease throughout the region starting Sunday noon.”
The Coachella Valley, as well as Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino and nearby areas, are expected to see the highest air quality index levels, creating unhealthy conditions for people, particularly Saturday night into Sunday morning.
The elevated particle pollution, or PM10, due to windblown dust is expected to be in the “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels during the daytime Saturday, according to the AQMD weather advisory. It will then reach unhealthier levels Saturday night and Sunday morning, before likely returning to more moderate levels Sunday night.
Smoke particles can cause serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks and challenges with breathing. While anyone can be affected, the National Weather Service warns that people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, people who are pregnant and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at a greater risk.
More: Live Friday updates: Southern California wildfire evacuees return home to find devastation
California wildfires: What to do in smoky areas
The National Weather Service recommends the following steps as precautions if you’re in an area with wildfire smoke:
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Remain indoors with the windows and doors closed.
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Avoid physical activity outdoors.
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Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier.
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If you have to be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a well-fitting N-95 mask.
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Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool.
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Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.
More: Fire weather watch issued for Inland Empire, inland Orange County through Sunday
Tom Coulter covers the cities of Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells. Reach him at thomas.coulter@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Strong winds likely to bring poor air quality to the valley this weekend
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