The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to increased particle pollution from blowing dust. The air quality alert is in effect Tuesday through Friday. In areas directly impacted by high levels of windblown dust, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity. Run your air conditioner or an air purifier. If temperatures allow, avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Exposure to high particle pollution levels can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart disease should avoid prolonged exposure and strenuous activities when particle pollution levels are high. 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 Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on wind conditions. To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District website at aqmd.gov or download the mobile app at www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp. Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at www.aqmd.gov/advisory.

* WHAT. West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph expected. * WHERE. San Bernardino County Mountains, Riverside County Mountains, San Diego County Mountains, Apple and Lucerne Valleys, Coachella Valley, San Diego County Deserts and San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning. * WHEN. From 5 PM Wednesday to 11 PM PDT Friday. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Winds will generally be at their strongest during the late afternoon and evening hours each day.