On Aug. 25th, 2025 a large towering dust wall called a “Haboob” hit Phoenix, Arizona causing people in cars to stop on the side of the road and others running desperately for shelter. It was later followed by multiple thunderstorms that tore through cities at 70 miles per hour, leaving trees torn, power outrages, and a shredded bridge.
A Haboob is caused by outflowing winds from the collapsing of a thunderstorm. The strong wind rushes out and collects small debris like rocks, sand, and plastic that creates a wall-like dust storm. The fog-like air makes it harder to see, creating obstacles for people who are on the road or walking. Breathing in this dangerous air can also cause respiratory issues, specifically a condition called Valley Fever that can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and rashes across the body.
According to National Weather Services, “The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued both dust storm and severe thunderstorm warnings as the system pushed into Maricopa County Monday evening. The weather service warned drivers of dangerously low visibility and urged people to pull aside and stay alive.”
Haboobs are very common in Arizona and usually happen around the summer season, this is called a monsoon season. This happens because of the intense heat that is created during the summer time this also allows for strong winds to easier pick up large amounts of dry soil off the ground. Arizona also has a very desert-like climate having dry conditions and enough loose dry soil to be picked up by wind.
A woman who was in the storm told reporters, “I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face if Ii put my hand outside, it was that bad”
After the dust storm, thousands of individuals were left with no power, broken down trees with some hitting homes and no clear sight of the outside world. Flights delayed due to the dangerous air conditions and cleanups being mandatory for the damaged conditions of small communities.
Sumaya Albert stated, “Disasters like these can put a big dent on communities, leaving them destroyed and causing others to leave the area and find a place temporarily. It also is up to the city to pay for these damages that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
According to UsPowerOutage, “After the storms swept through, more than 60,000 customers in Arizona were left without power, with the majority of outages concentrated in Maricopa County.”
The heat is still extreme in Arizona but luckily the dry air conditions prevent a thunderstorm from happening. Clean ups are still being made outside and in people’s homes, as they try to avoid going outdoors so they do not inhale dust and other particles. Though many people have come out to help in their communities.
