Phoenix is expected to warm into the upper 80s Thursday, then face stronger east winds Friday, with gusts around 35 mph forecast. A Wind Advisory is scheduled for parts of southern Maricopa County from Friday morning into the afternoon, according to National Weather Service Phoenix. Blowing dust could reduce visibility in the windiest areas, but the forecast does not specify how widespread or severe any visibility impacts will be.
Wind does not automatically mean a haboob
The distinction matters because the National Weather Service describes haboobs as dust storms driven by thunderstorm outflow winds. Friday’s forecast calls for strong east winds; it does not establish that a haboob is expected. Dust may still be raised by wind, but the forecast alone does not show that Friday’s conditions will resemble a thunderstorm-driven dust storm.
Arizona’s July 5, 2011, dust storm offers a documented example of a much more extreme event, not a prediction for Friday. The National Weather Service Phoenix office reported widespread near-zero visibility and gusts over 50 mph during that storm. Those observations describe the past event; they should not be read as expected Friday conditions.
Dust can complicate air-quality readings
If dust is present, a green air-quality reading may not reflect high particle levels in real time. The Maricopa County Air Quality Department cautions that during a dust storm, the AQI may show green even when PM10 concentrations are very high, and the reading can lag for hours.
Thursday is forecast to remain dry and bright before winds increase Thursday night. Cooler weather is expected over the weekend. The immediate uncertainty is how much dust Friday’s winds may lift and where it could affect visibility.
