Stagecoach 2026: Windblown dust to continue to be issue for festival

A windblown dust advisory was extended Sunday, April 26, in the Coachella Valley due to expected gusts of 40 to 50 mph in the area.

The advisory will remain effective until at least 9 a.m. Tuesday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District announced.

The announcement comes the day after the Stagecoach Country Music Festival temporary evacuated crowds and put a stop to perfomances Saturday night. Within an hour, organizers notified festivalgoers that the Empire Polo Club field was once again safe and headliner Lainey Wilson and others would still perform.

The official Stagecoach app notified users at 1:55 p.m. that there would again be wind Sunday.

“Hold onto your hats. We will experience winds throughout the day. Stay tuned on the app and stage screen for updates,” the notification read. “Thank you for your attention and enjoy the festival.”

On Sunday, air quality index levels were expected to reach the unhealthy category or higher. By Monday morning, wind speeds were expected to decrease, resulting in AQI levels from good to moderate, the agency said.

Wind speeds were expected to increase again after 2 p.m. Monday and through Tuesday morning, resulting in unhealthy AQI again, according to the SCAQMD.

A wind advisory was also issued by the National Weather Service through 5 p.m. Sunday.

Festivalgoers were noticeably more prepared for the winds as they walked around the Stagecoach grounds Sunday, many with bandanas already wrapped around their faces.

For those in impacted areas, officials advised the following:

— Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter;

— Avoid vigorous physical activity;

— Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier and if possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air;

— Help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads.