An air quality alert has been issued for parts of Southern California, with officials urging residents to stay indoors as harmful levels of particle pollution driven by windblown dust are expected to move across the Imperial Valley.
The alert, issued by the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), covers communities including El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, Salton City and surrounding areas, where shifting winds are forecast to kick up dust and degrade air quality. The advisory is set for 3 p.m. local time on Tuesday until 11 p.m. Wednesday.
The warning comes as particulate pollution, tiny airborne particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, is projected to reach levels considered unhealthy or worse, depending on location and weather conditions…