First Alert Weather Alert: Dangerous heat and reduced air quality this weekend

A heatwave is impacting the region, and temperatures are on the rise. The First Alert Weather Team has issued a First Alert Weather Alert for dangerous heat and reduced air quality in the Coachella Valley. The Excessive Heat Warning from the National Weather Service remains in effect through Wednesday night.

High heat can lead to faster ozone formation rates, increasing smog and reducing air quality. An Ozone Advisory by South Coast Air Quality Management District remains in place through at least Tuesday.

A Smoke Advisory has been extended through Monday afternoon as fires continue to burn west of the valley. Evening winds from the west may lower air quality. If you smell smoke, head indoors or wear a mask.

Light winds from the southeast have boosted moisture in the atmosphere pushing dew points into the 50s and 60s. This has limited daytime high temperatures from reaching record-breaking heat. While temperatures may not be as high as anticipated, additional humidity does increase the overall heat index. Here's a look at how it felt outside Sunday around 3:30 p.m.

Humidity will linger into Monday creating the possibility of mountain thunderstorms. Drier conditions are expected to follow. Excessive heat will continue to be felt around the desert throughout next week, with highs 5-10° above average.

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