The Coachella Valley is expected to avoid smoke from the Southern California wildfires over the next few days. Despite an expected flare-up due to high winds Monday evening, the winds are forecasted to blow toward the ocean, away from the valley.
Still, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a windblown dust advisory until noon Tuesday. High winds are expected to kick up particulate matter into the air, making it unhealthy for sensitive groups.
By Tuesday afternoon, the management district says, wind gusts of up to 45 mph could make the air quality moderate or unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Wildfire smoke blurs the shadow lines as the sun sets behind the San Jacinto Mountains as seen from Rancho Mirage, Calif., Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
The National Weather Service has issued a high Red Flag Alert until 6 p.m. Wednesday for much of the area surrounding the Coachella Valley, meaning critical fire conditions are either occurring or will shortly.
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California wildfires: Smoke not expected to blow toward Palm Springs
