Haboobs are large dust storms that form after thunderstorms when descending cold air spreads outward and kicks up loose dust in arid or semiarid regions. They can reach thousands of feet high and span up to 100 miles wide. In the U.S., they are most likely in the Southwest during July and August. Haboobs develop very quickly, often reducing visibility within seconds and posing significant hazards to motorists. Strong winds associated with haboobs can knock down trees and power lines, cause power outages, and disrupt air travel. Haboobs typically last only a couple of hours.
Imagine you're driving down the road and then, suddenly, the air around your car is totally filled with dust. This is what can happen during the weather phenomenon known as a haboob. In the U.S., haboobs are most likely to occur in the Southwest during July and August, according to AccuWeather. One recently hit Arizona, causing power outages and grounding flights at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
A haboob is a type of dust storm that forms after a thunderstorm. They are usually quite large and can be thousands of feet high and up to 100 miles wide. During thunderstorms, cold air rushes down to the ground and spreads out. When this happens in an arid or semiarid region, the wind can kick up dust, forming a haboob. Haboobs form very quickly. Within a matter of seconds, they can dramatically reduce visibility.
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