SACRAMENTO, Calif — UPDATE: Thursday, 4:00 p.m.
The Valley Air District has issued an Air Quality Alert for the San Joaquin Valley for gusty winds and blowing dust through Thursday.
Wind gusts over 35mph will continue through early tonight.
ORIGINAL: Wednesday 7:00 pm
Dry, gusty winds ahead of a changing weather pattern will cause health problems by blowing dust through the San Joaquin Valley.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued a Health Caution for the area through Friday, May 21.
Drought conditions and dry soil are adding to issues with the air quality concern. The air district says unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter 10 (PM10) can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections.
These dry winds are also the result of a cold, spring weather system moving through the state. Winds will start to calm overnight on Friday.
During this Health Caution for the San Joaquin Valley, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors' advice for dealing with particulate exposure. Older adults and children should also avoid long exposure or heavy exertion outdoors if blowing dust is visible.
For more information on this Health Caution, visit the San Joaquin Valley Pollution Air Control District website HERE.
WATCH MORE FROM ABC10: What does "Exceptional" drought really mean for California?
The drought in California has been growing for two years and now 14% of the state is in "Exceptional" drought. That is the top-level category from the US drought monitor. Drought in California is different from any other state because of our unique wet and dry season as well as system of capturing and moving water around the state. The US Drought monitor recognizes this and lists specific impacts for each state so the public and policymakers know what may happen in the future for impacts on health and the economy.