Locals react to dust storm and hazardous air quality

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has the Coachella Valley & the San Gorgonio Pass under “Moderate” air quality conditions as of 7/31 at 3 PM.

Conditions reached hazardous levels on Saturday, after the passing of a dust storm on Friday night.

Sam Atwood from SCAQMD says it’s important when storms like these come through to avoid heavy exercise and stay indoors.

“One thing we are concerned about is for residents who are particularly susceptible, for example, those who have heart disease and lung disease, is that they could see a worsening of their symptoms,” says Atwood.

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ORIGINAL STORY, 7/30:

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has the Coachella Valley & the San Gorgonio Pass under “Unhealthy” air quality conditions.

Particulate matter, or fine dust, is floating in the air. Locals are encouraged to try to stay indoors and avoid breathing this dusty air.

The US National Weather Service in San Diego, California believes air quality will be poor through the evening.

They say gradual improvements can be expected throughout the day, but fine dust could stay suspended in the air for a large part of the morning and afternoon.

Should showers or thunderstorms form later today, air quality may improve.