Weekend 1 festival goers woke to a notification on the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival app about the potential strong winds throughout Saturday, April 11.
“High winds are expected throughout the weekend,” the notification directed at festival campers. “Make sure to secure your tents and EZ ups (staff members are happy to help), and hope in your vehicle if you’re looking for a break from the elements.”
On Friday night, the Italian-American DJ Anyma, along with Coachella officials, decided to cancel his performance due to strong winds affecting the stage build.
“Coachella and Anyma have made this decision together with your safety as a priority,” according to a message projected on the stage screen. Anyma was scheduled to close the main stage Friday. No additional performances were canceled due to the winds, but the gusts destroyed many campers’ tents, leaving some people to chase after their canopies and belongings.
More windy weather was expected Saturday night with winds around 20 mph and gusts of up to 30 mph, according to the National Weather Service
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has extended a windblown dust advisory in the Coachella Valley through Sunday.
The advisory, which originally was set to end at 3 a.m. Saturday, has been extended until 5 a.m. Sunday in the areas of Cathedral City, Indio, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and La Quinta due to air quality levels reaching “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Gusty winds of up to 50 mph were expected to cause periods of elevated particle pollution, with northwest Coachella Valley to expect the highest impacts.
The agency forecast stated that winds will decrease by 6 a.m. Saturday after picking up speed overnight.
The public was advised to limit exposure, especially if attending outdoor events, by reducing long or intense outdoor activities and taking more breaks when dust levels are high. Additionally, people were encouraged to remain indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity.