Dust storms are a striking weather phenomenon in Arizona, frequently occurring during the state’s monsoon season, which typically spans from mid-June through September. These events involve immense walls of dust and dirt, often referred to as haboobs, that can significantly reduce visibility across the landscape.
Typical Durations
Dust storms in Arizona typically last just a few minutes. In the Phoenix area, intense dust activity averages six to fifteen minutes. Larger, more widespread dust storms, known as haboobs, generally persist for 10 to 30 minutes. Some strong haboobs can, on rare occasions, extend for a few hours. While intense blowing dust may clear quickly, reduced visibility can linger, often dropping to near zero and making driving particularly hazardous.
Factors Influencing Duration
The duration of an Arizona dust storm is influenced by several atmospheric and environmental elements. Haboobs form from the strong outflow of air from thunderstorms, known as downbursts or downdrafts. These powerful winds, reaching 30 to 60 miles per hour, stir up loose dust and sand from the dry desert floor. The size and density of the dust cloud also play a role, as these walls can extend thousands of feet high and several miles wide.
Atmospheric stability is another important factor; if the thunderstorms that generate the dust do not continue to develop, the dust tends to dissipate more quickly. Rain-cooled air ahead of a storm can push warm air upward, leading to new storm cells and additional downdrafts, causing a haboob to grow and travel over 100 miles. Moisture on the ground also affects dust generation; if the soil is saturated, less dust is available. Land use, such as agricultural fields, can contribute to loose dust availability.
Staying Safe During Dust Storms
Encountering a dust storm, particularly while driving, requires specific actions. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) promotes the “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” campaign to guide motorists. Upon encountering a dust storm, drivers should immediately assess traffic conditions around their vehicle, then begin to slow down. It is important to pull off the roadway as soon as safely possible, completely exiting the highway if feasible, and finding a safe location entirely off the paved surface.
Once stopped, drivers should turn off all vehicle lights, including headlights and emergency flashers. This prevents other drivers from mistakenly using your lights as a guide, which could lead to a collision with a stationary vehicle. After setting the emergency brake, remove your foot from the brake pedal so the brake lights are not illuminated. Remaining inside the vehicle with seatbelts fastened offers the most protection while waiting for the storm to pass.
Individuals caught outdoors during a dust storm should seek immediate shelter indoors, such as a building or an enclosed vehicle. If finding immediate shelter is not possible, covering the mouth and nose with a cloth helps prevent dust inhalation. Minimizing skin and eye exposure to the dust is also advisable. Monitoring local weather updates can provide information on the storm’s progress.