The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) issued an advisory of potentially poor air quality as a result of high wind.
The National Weather Service issued warnings and advisories ahead of a forecasted high-wind event for today and tomorrow. The advisory is in effect as of 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21st and covers much of the desert portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
The forecast includes increasing concentrations of windblown dust, which raises levels of PM10, one of the criteria pollutants the MDAQMD monitors. These levels may become potentially unhealthy for people in sensitive groups. The MDAQMD recommends the following precautions to reduce the impacts from high levels of PM10 pollution:
- consider avoiding vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion;
- people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children should consider remaining indoors;
- keep windows and doors closed;
- run your air conditioner or indoor air purifier if you have one;
- avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing outdoor pollutants inside.
The National Weather Service forecasted the high winds to last until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22nd, though that may change with conditions. You can check your local air quality levels by visiting www.AirNow.gov or sign up for text and email air quality forecasts at www.enviroflash.info.
