The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for portions of Kern County and other areas of the San Joaquin Valley. The alert will be in effect through 10 a.m. Saturday.

According to the NWS, the alert is due to dust caused by high winds forecast for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the valley portion of Kern counties.

The NWS warns that "exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. Residents are advised to use caution as conditions warrant. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor’s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities, or heavy exertion, as conditions dictate."