Dust Storm Warning Issued for Pima and Maricopa Counties, Arizona
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a dust storm warning for Pima, Maricopa, and Pinal counties in Arizona. These storms, also known as 'haboobs,' are common during the monsoon season from June to September. At 5:40 p.m. MST on August 23, 2026, a wall of dust was detected moving west at 10 mph in Pima County, with visibility dropping to less than a quarter mile and wind speeds exceeding 50 mph. By 8:50 p.m. MST, another dust wall was observed in Maricopa County, moving northwest at 35 mph. These storms are caused by cold downdrafts from thunderstorms hitting the desert floor, creating massive dust walls that can stretch for miles and last up to an hour. The NWS has warned of dangerous travel conditions in affected areas.