Massive walls of dust and debris called haboobs that roll through the Southwest U.S. can be awe-inspiring and terrifying, especially for motorists caught in their path. Thunderstorms spawn the phenomenon and can create a wall of dust thousands of feet tall and several miles wide, reaching speeds of 60 mph (97 kpm) or more.
How do Haboobs Form?
Thunderstorms can produce strong downdrafts that hit the ground at 50-80 mph (80-129 kph) and then spread in all directions, said Sean Benedict, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Phoenix office. The winds stir up loose dust and dirt, including from arid areas and farm fields, that get blown along in front of the approaching storm cell.
If thunderstorms don't keep developing, the dust dissipates. But rain-cooled air in front of a storm can keep pushing warm air upward, generating new storms and more downdrafts, Benedict said.
When that happens, the haboob can keep growing, and some travel as far as 100 miles, Benedict said. Haboobs also can form in arid areas of Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
Will Haboobs become more Frequent?
Scientists say monsoons — localized bursts of rain in the Southwest during summer months — have become more intense since the 1970s as the atmosphere heats up due to human-caused climate change. At the same time, it's raining less often as droughts last longer and some arid areas expand. Climate change increases the odds of both severe drought and heavier storms that could set the stage for more intense dust storms in the future.
Benedict said it's difficult to say whether haboobs will become more frequent. The storms require a specific set of circumstances, and land use, such as farming, can affect how much dust gets picked up, Benedict said.
Not all dust storms are haboobs, which are specifically associated with downdrafts from thunderstorms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the Phoenix area experiences one to three large dust storms a year.
The National Weather Service issues dust warnings if it anticipates that thunderstorms and high winds moving through dust-prone areas could reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less. That's especially important when conditions are favorable for clusters of storms, Benedict said.
Haboobs can form quickly, catching drivers by surprise, blotting out the sun and reducing visibility to zero. Experts recommend that motorists pull off the roadways as far as possible, stop their vehicles and turn off their lights.
Q1. How do Haboobs Form?
A1. Thunderstorms can produce strong downdrafts that hit the ground at 50-80 mph (80-129 kph) and then spread in all directions.
Q2. Where can Haboobs Form?
A2. Haboobs also can form in arid areas of Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
How do Haboobs Form?
Thunderstorms can produce strong downdrafts that hit the ground at 50-80 mph (80-129 kph) and then spread in all directions, said Sean Benedict, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Phoenix office. The winds stir up loose dust and dirt, including from arid areas and farm fields, that get blown along in front of the approaching storm cell.
If thunderstorms don't keep developing, the dust dissipates. But rain-cooled air in front of a storm can keep pushing warm air upward, generating new storms and more downdrafts, Benedict said.
When that happens, the haboob can keep growing, and some travel as far as 100 miles, Benedict said. Haboobs also can form in arid areas of Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
Will Haboobs become more Frequent?
Scientists say monsoons — localized bursts of rain in the Southwest during summer months — have become more intense since the 1970s as the atmosphere heats up due to human-caused climate change. At the same time, it's raining less often as droughts last longer and some arid areas expand. Climate change increases the odds of both severe drought and heavier storms that could set the stage for more intense dust storms in the future.
Benedict said it's difficult to say whether haboobs will become more frequent. The storms require a specific set of circumstances, and land use, such as farming, can affect how much dust gets picked up, Benedict said.
Not all dust storms are haboobs, which are specifically associated with downdrafts from thunderstorms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the Phoenix area experiences one to three large dust storms a year.
How to Stay Safe?
The National Weather Service issues dust warnings if it anticipates that thunderstorms and high winds moving through dust-prone areas could reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less. That's especially important when conditions are favorable for clusters of storms, Benedict said.
Haboobs can form quickly, catching drivers by surprise, blotting out the sun and reducing visibility to zero. Experts recommend that motorists pull off the roadways as far as possible, stop their vehicles and turn off their lights.
FAQs
Q1. How do Haboobs Form?
A1. Thunderstorms can produce strong downdrafts that hit the ground at 50-80 mph (80-129 kph) and then spread in all directions.
Q2. Where can Haboobs Form?
A2. Haboobs also can form in arid areas of Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
