What to Know About Massive Dust Storms Called Haboobs in US Southwest

What to Know About Massive Dust Storms Called Haboobs in US Southwest
A towering cloud of dust at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Aug. 25, 2025. City of Phoenix via AP
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Massive walls of dust and debris called haboobs that roll through the U.S. Southwest can be awe-inspiring and terrifying, especially for motorists caught in their path.

Thunderstorms spawn the phenomenon and can create a wall of dust thousands of feet tall and several miles wide, reaching speeds of 60 mph or more.