Arizona dust storm create unhealthy air quality for thousands in the Phoenix metro area
Large plumes of dust swept across portions of the state after thunderstorms appeared overnight on Monday, which later produced strong gusty winds that picked up huge amounts of dust which spread over the course of at least 12 hours.
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PHOENIX, Arizona– An all-too-familiar scene has unfolded across the Phoenix metro area and Southwest Arizona as a large Category 5 dust storm engulfed the region, creating unhealthy air quality for thousands.
Large plumes of dust swept across portions of the state after thunderstorms appeared overnight on Monday, which later produced strong gusty winds that picked up huge amounts of dust which spread over the course of at least 12 hours.
Despite this, the strongest winds have eased, but the lingering dust remains and is affecting air quality for many people.
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"One important thing to note is that the dust particle is larger than a smoke particle," the FOX Forecast Center said. "The sensors used for measuring dust vs. smoke do differ and because of this, if you look at particulate matter sensors for smoke, the air quality appears low."
Large dust storm observed in Arizona. (Sean Voysey)
This is an important detail to understand before venturing outdoors, as sensitive air groups could be greatly affected.
The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert due to continuous strong and gusty winds, which may result in Elevated Levels of Coarse particulate matter (PM-10) that pose a health risk.
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Large plumes of dust from a dust storm in Southwest Arizona this week. (Sean Voysey)
PM-10 is an air contaminant that can aggravate heart and lung disease, especially in older adults, children and those with asthma.
It is vital to check particulate matter sensors for dust, as the Phoenix area currently has the worst air quality in the country.
This comes as there is a possibility that an additional dust storm could occur in the region overnight.
Areas within portions of Southwest Arizona are experiencing hazardous air quality conditions.
A great way to monitor this threat is the Phoenix Dust Storm Scale, which measures and ranks dust storm severity using data such as PM-10, wind speed, duration and geographic extent.
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The scale ranges from the lowest dust concentration (1,000 μg/m3) to the most extreme conditions (5,000 μg/m3) using categories 1 through 5, with 5 being the worst.
This is the Phoenix Dust Storm Scale, highlighting the intensity of different storms. (Arizona State University / FOX Weather)
Thankfully, conditions are expected to improve later in the evening as temperatures cool, allowing the atmosphere to mix more efficiently and disperse the dust, providing relief to air quality.
Despite this, unhealthy air quality could still linger in some areas, which is why it is important to monitor the dust storm scale and other health alerts.
Dust storms usually last a few minutes to an hour at most, and it is essential to stay where you are until it passes.
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Be sure to check the Phoenix Dust Storm Scale, along with the NWS, who will issue warnings about any hazardous conditions.