Latest news with #SouthCoastAQMD
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Henderson Fire: Smoke advisory issued for part of Riverside County
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a wildfire smoke advisory for some areas of western Riverside County on Saturday due to a 300-acre fire near the Riverside-San Diego county line. The advisory was effective until 8 a.m. Sunday in the areas of Murrieta, Temecula, Sage, Aguanga and Anza. The Henderson fire started Friday evening in north central San Diego County near Pala, and as of Saturday afternoon it was mapped at 300 acres and was 15% contained, according to Cal Fire. The South Coast AQMD said the smoke will most heavily impact areas near and to the northeast of the fire. Particle pollution levels were expected to reach the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' air quality index category in the affected areas. If the fire remains active, the South Coast AQMD said the particle pollution levels could reach the 'unhealthy' air quality index category by Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Conditions may change quickly, depending on fire activity and weather, the South Coast AQMD announced. Current air conditions by area are available at At least one other fire was burning in Southern California on Saturday. The Eureka Fire in Joshua Tree National Park also had grown to 300 acres by midday Saturday. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Henderson Fire updates: Smoke advisory for Riverside area
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Henderson Fire: Smoke advisory issued for part of Riverside County
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a wildfire smoke advisory for some areas of western Riverside County on Saturday due to a 300-acre fire near the Riverside-San Diego county line. The advisory was effective until 8 a.m. Sunday in the areas of Murrieta, Temecula, Sage, Aguanga and Anza. The Henderson fire started Friday evening in north central San Diego County near Pala, and as of Saturday afternoon it was mapped at 300 acres and was 15% contained, according to Cal Fire. The South Coast AQMD said the smoke will most heavily impact areas near and to the northeast of the fire. Particle pollution levels were expected to reach the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' air quality index category in the affected areas. If the fire remains active, the South Coast AQMD said the particle pollution levels could reach the 'unhealthy' air quality index category by Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Conditions may change quickly, depending on fire activity and weather, the South Coast AQMD announced. Current air conditions by area are available at At least one other fire was burning in Southern California on Saturday. The Eureka Fire in Joshua Tree National Park also had grown to 300 acres by midday Saturday. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Henderson Fire updates: Smoke advisory for Riverside area
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
California Seniors Issued Memorial Day Weekend Health Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Residents in southern California, are facing poor air quality due to particle pollution over parts of the Memorial Day weekend, according to officials. Why It Matters "Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections," the National Weather Service (NWS) warned in an air quality alert. What To Know According to a notice published by the NWS, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued an air quality alert due to "harmful" levels of particle pollution from windblown dust in the Coachella Valley. Cities potentially affected included Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Coachella. A map from the South Coast AQMD shows which areas are potentially impacted by the windblown dust advisory. A map from the South Coast AQMD shows which areas are potentially impacted by the windblown dust advisory. South Coast AQMD While the alert said that everyone can be affected, it noted that sensitive groups, such as older adults, people with lung or heart conditions, pregnant people, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk. South Coast AQMD said winds from the west, with gusts up to 47 miles per hour were predicted in the northwestern Coachella Valley below the San Gorgonio Pass. "Gusty winds can lift dust and soil into the air, resulting in high particle pollution (PM10) levels in the region," it said, adding: "Expect elevated PM10 levels at times from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, especially in the northwestern part of the valley." South Coast AQMD serves as the regulatory body tasked with enhancing air quality across extensive parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. This area is home to over 17 million residents—representing 44 percent of California's total population. What People Are Saying A South Coast AQMD spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "Windblown dust events can occur year-round but high winds and dust most frequently occur from April to October in the Coachella Valley." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, told Newsweek previously that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added that conditions such as asthma are exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. What Happens Next To keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor, officials advise residents in affected areas to keep windows and doors closed, run air conditioners or purifiers, and to avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment. At the time of writing, the air quality alert was set to be in effect from 2 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Poor air quality forecasted for the Coachella Valley area through Monday, officials say
Residents in the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley area may experience poor air quality through Monday afternoon amid gusty winds in the region this weekend, officials say. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown dust advisory for the region on Saturday, which has been extended through noon Monday. The South Coast AQMD forecasted that the blowing dust in the region may result in poor air quality through Monday, although the air quality can vary by hour and location depending on wind conditions. The air quality alert comes as a wind advisory for the San Gorgonio Pass, including Desert Hot Springs and Banning, through Monday, was also issued. The area is forecasted to see wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour as other parts of Southern California see stronger winds this weekend, according to the National Weather Service San Diego. PM10 levels will increase through Saturday afternoon, and the PM10 levels in the unhealthy to hazardous Air Quality Index categories are possible, with the highest levels expected in parts of the Coachella Valley, according to the South Coast AQMD. PM10 refers to airborne particulate matter that is inhalable into the lungs and can cause adverse health effects. According to the California Air Resources Board, short-term exposures are associated with the worsening of respiratory diseases, including asthma. It's one of the major pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act, according to AirNow, and the high PM10 levels in the region result from the gusty winds, said the South Coast AQMD. The AQI has six categories that communicate the level of concern regarding outdoor air quality and health: Good: 'Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.' Moderate: 'Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those unusually sensitive to air pollution.' Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: 'Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.' Unhealthy: 'Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.' Very Unhealthy: 'Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.' Hazardous: 'Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.' For Saturday night through Sunday daytime, PM10 levels are forecasted to range from very unhealthy to hazardous AQI categories, with the highest levels expected in the Coachella Valley, according to the South Coast AQMD. Come Sunday night and into Monday morning, PM10 levels are forecasted to range from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups, or higher AQI categories, with the highest levels expected in the Coachella Valley, according to the South Coast AQMD. The South Coast AQMD recommends limiting exposure to windblown dust by staying inside with the windows and doors closed. People are also encouraged to run their air conditioning or an air purifier and not use whole-house fans that bring in outside air. Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@ This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: See the air quality forecast for Coachella Valley amid SoCal winds
