Dust clouds bring unhealthy air to sensitive groups

By Mary Manning

Published Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 | 11:05 a.m.

Updated Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 | 5:04 p.m.

Forecasters today lowered their expectations for winds gusting through the Las Vegas Valley tonight, but unhealthy air quality levels for dust in sensitive groups is still possible through Wednesday.

The Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management issued a forecast earlier today for the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses.

Unhealthy clouds of dust that could affect sensitive groups blew across the valley at about 4:30 p.m. today.

The National Weather Service said gusts as high as 50 mph could occur until 8 p.m. tonight as cold air moves into Southern Nevada.

The air quality forecast focuses on dust particles that can blow from disturbed desert areas, construction sites and urban areas where dust has been onto the road. Without rain, dust clouds can blow in localized areas or valleywide.

The department issued a notice to residents and all construction site operators Monday that dust could occur Tuesday and Wednesday.

Weather forecasters said the cold front passed through the Southwest more quickly than expected, but colder air and breezy conditions are expected in Las Vegas through Thursday. Temperatures are expected to drop into the 50s for daytime highs, in contrast to 70s and 80s over the weekend.