A dust storm swept through the Phoenix area on Wednesday afternoon, causing disruptions and prompting warnings from meteorologists.

Dust Advisory and Meteorologist Alerts

FOX 10 Meteorologist Krystal Ortiz issued an advisory, stating, East Valley and into Downtown Phoenix dust-coated now. The Dust Storm Advisory was extended to 5:15pm, and now includes part of the West Valley. Gusty winds with limited visibility likely as this passes through.

Lingering Effects

Although the advisory expired at 5:15 p.m., dust continued to linger into Wednesday night. The National Weather Service reported, The outflow boundary that pushed through the Phoenix metro, bringing dense blowing dust, continues to advance toward the northwest toward Surprise. Areas of blowing dust will remain possible as the outflow progresses across the northwest Valley, around 6 p.m.

Uncommon Occurrence

The last Dust Storm Advisory issued in February was in 2021. These advisories are typically more common during the monsoon season, which occurs in the summer months.

Conclusion

As the dust storm passed through the Phoenix area, residents were reminded of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the region. While such events are relatively rare outside of the monsoon season, they serve as a stark reminder of the importance of staying informed and prepared for various weather conditions.

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