The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued a health caution statement for Tuesday due to high winds and expected blowing dust in some areas.

Elevated concentrations of particulate matter 10 microns and smaller (PM10) Valley-wide could occur. Residents in the counties of Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the Valley portion of Kern could be impacted.

The District is advising San Joaquin Valley residents to use caution and avoid exposure to blowing dust caused by windy conditions.

The District says where conditions warrant, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure.

Rain Chances Tuesday Night Into Wednesday

The National Weather Service’s Hanford office projects a cold front will pass through Central California Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Precipitation chances associated with this cold front will be highest from Fresno County northward. Most of this projected precipitation will fall late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

The NWS predicts Fresno could receive anywhere from 0.1-0.25 inches of rain. Shaver Lake could see 0.25-0.50.

Weather Helping Firefighting Efforts

Crews battling the Creek Fire reported progress yesterday as they work to repair areas damaged by suppression efforts and to minimize possible soil erosion.

The fire is 78% contained is has burned 379,895 acres. Complete containment is expected Nov. 30.

The incoming weather system is expected to bring higher winds and at least some light rain and high-elevation snow to the fire area according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Heavy equipment will be brought to lower elevations in advance of the storm, officials said.