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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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Residents across Imperial County, California, have been urged to limit outdoor activity, avoid grilling, and keep windows and doors closed as windblown dust is set to push particle pollution to harmful levels through Friday evening.
Imperial County communities were placed under an air quality alert Thursday afternoon as officials warned that windblown dust was driving up unhealthy particle pollution levels across the region.
Issued at 2:35 p.m. PST, the alert covers Imperial County’s southwest and southeast areas, the Chuckwalla Mountains, Imperial Valley, and western parts of the county, including El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, Salton City and Winterhaven.
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Conditions are expected to persist through Friday evening.
According to the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, elevated particle pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering asthma attacks and worsening heart and lung disease.
Risk extends to everyone, though people with existing heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant people, children and those who spend extended time outdoors face heightened danger.
Officials cautioned that pollution levels may fluctuate depending on weather and emissions, urging residents to monitor air quality closely throughout the alert period.
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What Are Air Quality Alerts?
Air quality alerts are issued when pollution reaches levels that may harm health.
During these periods, residents are encouraged to reduce exposure, limit strenuous outdoor activity and take steps to keep indoor air cleaner until conditions improve.
What Is the Air Quality Index?
Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index, or AQI—a numerical scale that communicates how safe the air is to breathe on any given day. Scores range from 0 to 500, with rising numbers signaling growing health risks.
Values between 0 and 50 are considered good, meaning pollution poses little or no threat. Readings from 51 to 100 fall into the moderate category, where unusually sensitive individuals may notice mild effects.
Once levels pass 100, air quality becomes unhealthy for sensitive groups. Above 150, pollution can begin affecting the broader population. Readings over 300 signal hazardous conditions, when everyone is at risk and outdoor activity should be avoided altogether.
Used at a glance, the AQI helps communities decide when to limit exertion, protect vulnerable people and adjust daily routines.
What Should People Do?
Residents are advised by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to keep windows and doors closed, run air conditioners or air purifiers if available, and avoid using whole-house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air when other cooling options exist.
Officials also urge people to reduce indoor pollution from sources such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered equipment.
Officials also urged the public to help limit outdoor particle pollution by carpooling, telecommuting, reducing trips, using public transit, slowing down on dirt roads, and stabilizing loose soils.
What People Are Saying
The South Coast AQMD warns that hazardous conditions may not always appear on air quality maps.
"Windblown ash particles may be too large to be detected by air quality instrumentation and not reflected in the AQI map," the agency said.
"Although the AQI may show green, hazardous ash may be present in the air. If you smell smoke or see ash, please take precautions."
Update 02/20/26, 3:37 a.m. ET. This article was updated with more information.
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