Dust Storms

Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN)

The State of Arizona's official source for emergency updates, preparedness advice and hazards information, and related resources.

Use this site for comprehensive information regarding all forms of emergency and extreme weather conditions in the State of Arizona.

Guide to the Arizona Monsoon for First Timers

Welcome to Phoenix.

You breezed through your first winter — we know, 75 degrees and sunny in January was tough — but you did it. You really liked spring, when you were able to get outside, and even though it's starting to get a little toasty now you're thinking you can handle summer. Because, really, how much hotter can it get?

But you're starting to wonder about this monsoon you've been hearing about.

Even before you got here, people probably showed you pictures of torrential rains flooding the streets, clouds of dust with what appeared to be faces in them swallowing the city and bolts of lightning that stretch for hundreds of miles.

This June 3rd, 2020, article from the Arizona Republic helps to introduce the Monsoon Season to new Arizona residents.

Pull Aside - Stay Alive (Arizona PSA)

Don't drive into a DUST STORM! Pull Aside and Stay Alive!

In Arizona, dust storms most frequently occur during monsoon season (June-September) but they can pop up at any time of the year. If you're in a vehicle and a dust storm is approaching, the most important thing to do is to not drive into the dust storm. That's because visibility can drop to zero, leaving you and others driving blind and making for a dangerous situation.

If you encounter a dust storm and don't have time to exit the highway, ADOT has developed these "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" tips and video PSAs to help you know what to do to get home safely.