Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning are the focus of an air quality alert reported at 3:24 p.m. on Tuesday by the National Weather Service. The alert is in effect until Thursday, Mar. 27 at 11 a.m. The NWS San Diego CA says to expect, “The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of particle pollution from windblown dust.” “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. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk,” the NWS said. Guidance for air quality alerts: Insights from the NWS When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial. These alerts, issued by the NWS, come with straightforward yet essential guidance to ensure your safety: Seek shelter indoors when possible: If you can, take refuge indoors, especially if you have respiratory concerns, underlying health conditions, or belong to the senior or child demographics. Curb outdoor exposure: When venturing outside becomes unavoidable, limit your outdoor exposure strictly to essential tasks. Reducing your time outdoors is the name of the game. Mitigate pollution sources: Be mindful of activities that exacerbate pollution, such as driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using other motorized vehicles. Limit their use during air quality alerts. A ban on open burning: Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. This contributes to worsened air quality. Stay informed: Stay updated by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news outlet. Staying informed helps you make wise choices regarding outdoor activities during air quality alerts. Respiratory health caution: If you have respiratory issues or health problems, exercise extra caution. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality. Following the recommendations from the NWS helps bolster your safety during air quality alerts, minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and make your health the top priority. ...read more read less