Dust Storms, Monsoonal Moisture Hit Palm Desert, Coachella Valley

PALM DESERT, CA – Excessive heat warnings and advisories expired for Riverside County Monday as monsoonal conditions moved in to start the week, according to the National Weather Service.

With the monsoonal weather, an increase in humidity was expected. That would bring humid but cooler temperatures until midweek, bringing brief relief from the heat wave that gripped the county nearly all of July. With the monsoons, elevated amounts of dust in the air, prompted by thunderstorms, were expected for the Imperial and Coachella Valleys.

The Dust Advisory went into effect at 11 a.m. Monday due to high winds in the Coachella Valley and will remain in place until 9 p.m. Monday, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The thunderstorms caused pollution levels to worsen throughout the San Gorgonio Pass area and in the Coachella Valley, where particle pollution levels were expected to continue declining into Tuesday.

"In areas directly impacted by high levels of windblown dust or ash, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity," SCAQMD officials said in a statement. "Run your air conditioning or an air purifier, if available, and avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air."

People were also encouraged to stabilize loose soils to help minimize dust pollution and to slow down when driving on dirt roads, according to the SCAQMD.

More information about air quality in the area can be found at www.aqmd.gov.

Beaumont and Banning would see temperatures in the low 90s, as well, also with chances of thunderstorms into Tuesday. The Coachella Valley will be between 104 and 108 degrees, forecasters said, along with a chance for monsoonal thunderstorms in the mountains.

Though cooler, those temperatures remain dangerous for some groups. Forecasters warn that extreme heat can increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Residents were advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and to never leave children or pets inside vehicles for any length of time.

This week's weather in Palm Desert

Monday Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 106. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 85. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 102. Heat index values as high as 105. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 82. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 106. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 81.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 107.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 80.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 108.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 82.

Saturday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 110.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 85.

Sunday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 112.

Sunday Night
Clear, with a low around 85.

Monday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 110.