California Residents Across Multiple Areas Told To Keep Windows Closed
March 26, 2025
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An air quality alert has been issued in Southern California as state officials warn residents of potentially hazardous pollution levels.
The alert, which covers parts of Riverside County, is in effect from 8 a.m. Wednesday to 11 a.m. Thursday because of elevated levels of particulate matter caused by windblown dust.
The National Weather Service (NWS) urges the public to keep their windows and doors closed and to limit outdoor activities during high-risk periods.
Why It Matters
Unhealthy air can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. According to the NWS alert, particle pollution can also cause “heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections.”
Populations most at risk include children, older adults, individuals with preexisting health conditions and pregnant women. The NWS cautions residents to stay indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during alert periods.
What To Know
The NWS and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) have issued an alert covering the Coachella Valley region.
The affected areas include the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning and the cities of Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and La Quinta.
“Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on emissions and local weather conditions,” the NWS alert said.
FILE – View of the Los Angeles skyline enveloped in smoke from wildfires, with foreground elements highlighting the impacted environment. FILE – View of the Los Angeles skyline enveloped in smoke from wildfires, with foreground elements highlighting the impacted environment. Getty Images
The agency has advised residents to protect their health by checking air quality index levels, keeping in mind this color code:
Orange: “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Sensitive groups, including children and older adults, should limit extended or intense outdoor activity.
Red: “Unhealthy.” Everyone may experience health impacts. Sensitive groups should avoid extended time outdoors.
Purple: “Very Unhealthy.” Sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity. Everyone else should avoid extended or intense outdoor activity.
Maroon: “Hazardous.” Everyone should avoid all outdoor physical activity.
Earlier this month, IQAir, a Swiss tech company that tracks global air quality, released a report that evaluated the state of global air quality based on fine particulate matter. It found that eight of the most polluted regional U.S. cities were in California.
The NWS alert said residents could minimize outdoor particle pollution levels by carpooling, taking public transportation and reducing their trips.
What People Are Saying
The South Coast AQMD wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “WINDBLOWN DUST ADVISORY (Wednesday, March 26 – Thursday, March 27): gusty winds may result in blowing dust in Coachella Valley leading to potentially Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher air quality levels.”
What Happens Next
The NWS has advised residents on ways to keep their indoor air clear while the alert is in effect, including by avoiding “other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.”
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