NWS Phoenix AZOctober 10, 2026
Air Quality Alert: Imperial County Southwest, Imperial County Southeast, Imperial County West and 1 more, CA
The National Weather Service office in Phoenix issued an air quality alert for Imperial County Southwest, Imperial County Southeast, Imperial County West and 1 more in California, in force until 10:15 p.m. local time on October 11.
Air Quality Alert
Issued9:31 a.m. PDT, October 10, 2026
In force9:31 a.m. PDT, October 10, 2026
Expires10:15 p.m. PDT, October 11, 2026
In force for 36.7 hours
The notice
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Phoenix AZ
- Area
- Imperial County Southwest, Imperial County Southeast, Imperial County West and 1 more
- State
- California
- Issued
- 9:31 a.m. PDT, October 10, 2026
- Expires
- 10:15 p.m. PDT, October 11, 2026
- CAP severity, certainty, urgency
- Unknown, Unknown, Unknown
- Official source
- National Weather Service: the notice at its source
NWS notices, October 2026The latest from the National Weather Service
Source: National Weather Service: the notice at its source. AreaZine rebuilds this page from the agency's record; the agency's page is the one to act on. A U.S. Government work, in the public domain.
The notice as issued
* 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...the Imperial Valley. Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on emissions and local weather conditions. * WHEN...Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 12:00 AM until 10:00 PM. * 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.
What the agency told people to do
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
Source: National Weather Service: the notice at its source. The text is the agency's, unedited. A U.S. Government work, in the public domain.