The reason behind the Coachella Valley’s poor air quality
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an Air Quality Alert for the Coachella Valley due to Monday's gusty winds.
The South Coast AQMD says soil moisture, recent rainfall, humidity, forecasted winds and historical data are used to determine if an Air Quality Alert needs to be called.
The South Coast AQMD says they decided not to issue an Air Quality Alert earlier because they determined that Friday's rainfall should have provided enough soil moisture to prevent airborne dust.
However, that was not the case as gusty winds led to poor air quality as early as Sunday.
According to The First Alert Weather Team, you are likely to see more blowing dust and hazier skies as winds strengthen once again this evening.
The piles of dried mud left behind by Tropical Storm Hilary is a major factor in the valley's consistently poor air quality.
On windy days, this mud becomes airborne dust which is considered an air pollutant that worsens road and health conditions.
