PHOENIX — Even if you don't receive a single raindrop, you'll likely encounter strong winds and blowing dust.
Often storms first develop across the mountains and higher terrain. The cool, sinking air from these storms rushes downward to the ground, kicking up all the dirt and dust. We'll typically see strong storm outflow winds produce wicked dust storms in the Valley.
But what is the difference between a Dust Advisory and a Dust Storm Warning? The National Weather Service will issue a Dust Advisory when there is a sudden drop in visibility, but visibility remains greater than a quarter mile.
During a Dust Advisory, you'll likely see widespread or localized blowing dust. A Dust Storm Warning is issued when there is a sudden drop in visibility to a quarter mile or less. Wind gusts up to 60 MPH are possible.
In Arizona, the hotspots for dust storms are I-8 and the I-10 corridor between Chandler and Tucson.
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