Wind Advisory, Air Quality Alert Issued for Southern California

Gusty Santa Ana winds and windblown dust prompt weather warnings

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A Wind Advisory and an Air Quality Alert have been posted for the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas in Southern California through sunset tonight due to occasional strong, gusty Santa Ana winds and windblown dust.

Why it matters

Strong Santa Ana winds can create hazardous driving conditions and poor air quality, prompting weather alerts to warn residents to take precautions.

The details

The Wind Advisory is in effect through sunset tonight, with the Coachella Valley expected to see peak high temperatures in the upper-70s under mostly sunny skies. The Air Quality Alert is also in place through tonight due to the windblown dust. More Santa Ana wind events are possible this weekend as well.

  • The Wind Advisory and Air Quality Alert are in effect through sunset tonight (March 5, 2026).
  • Temperatures are expected to peak in the upper-70s today (March 5, 2026).
  • More Santa Ana wind events are possible this weekend (March 7-8, 2026).
  • Highs in the 80s are forecast Sunday through Wednesday (March 8-11, 2026), followed by 90s Thursday into Saturday of next week (March 12-14, 2026).

The players

Jerry Steffen

NBC Palm Springs meteorologist.

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What they’re saying

“Keep in mind, there is a good chance those Santa Ana winds will become an issue again this weekend.”

— Jerry Steffen, Meteorologist (NBC Palm Springs)

The takeaway

Residents in the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas should be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions and poor air quality due to the gusty Santa Ana winds and windblown dust, and monitor forecasts for any additional wind events in the coming days.