DesertWeather.com

* WHAT...North winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph
expected.

* WHERE...Western portion of Joshua Tree National Park, Eastern
portion of Joshua Tree National Park, Southeastern Imperial
County, Parker Valley, Chuckwalla Mountains, Chiriaco Summit,
Palo Verde Valley, and Chuckwalla Valley.

* WHEN...From 3 AM MST/PDT to 1 PM MST/PDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Difficult driving conditions, especially for larger
vehicles traveling along roads with crosswinds. Light,
unsecured objects may become airborne.

A Wind Advisory means that sustained wind speeds of between
30 and 40 mph are expected, or wind gusts of between 40 and
58 mph. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially
for high profile vehicles.

In addition, strong winds over desert areas could result in
briefly lowered visibilities to well under a mile at times in
blowing dust or blowing sand. Use extra caution.

NWS Weather Alerts

Issued by the National Weather Service

* WHAT...The Imperial County APCD has issued an air quality alert
due to harmful levels of particle pollution from windblown dust.
Visit https://www.aqmd.gov/alertinfo to check current and forecasted
air quality levels.

* WHERE...Imperial County. Levels of particle pollution can vary by
time and location depending on emissions and local weather
conditions.

* WHEN...11 AM Thu Apr 16 to 5 PM Fri Apr 17.

* IMPACTS... 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.

To protect your health, check air quality levels and act as needed:

* When Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are "Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups" (orange), sensitive groups as specified
above should limit extended or intense outdoor activity.
* When AQI is "Unhealthy" (red), everyone may experience health
impacts. Sensitive groups should avoid extended time outdoors.
* When AQI is "Very Unhealthy" (purple), sensitive groups should
avoid all outdoor physical activity. Everyone else should
avoid extended or intense outdoor activity.
* When AQI is "Hazardous" (maroon), everyone should avoid all
outdoor physical activity.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

To help keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor:

* Keep windows and doors closed
* Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier
* Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in
outside air if you have other methods to stay cool
* Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles,
incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden
equipment

To help minimize outdoor particle pollution levels:

* Carpool, telecommute, reduce trips, or take public
transportation
* Slow down if driving on dirt roads
* Stabilize loose soils

NWS Weather Alerts

Issued by the National Weather Service