A major dust storm moved through metro Phoenix Sunday night, Aug. 23, prompting a dust storm warning while producing only isolated showers and minimal rainfall, officials said. According to the National Weather Service, most of the rain skirted the city, with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recording just 0.04 inches, contributing to a continued monsoon rainfall deficit amid ongoing extreme heat warnings.
The dust storm, known locally as a haboob, swept through the Phoenix metropolitan area around 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a dust storm warning for the Valley. While isolated showers occurred later that night and into early Monday, Aug. 24, widespread rainfall was not observed, NWS meteorologist Chris Kuhlman said Monday morning. “Some rain moved through, but a lot of it kind of skirted around Phoenix,” Kuhlman explained, noting that more substantial precipitation fell south and west of the city. At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, official measurements recorded only 0.04 inches of rain shortly after midnight, underscoring the limited impact of the storm on central Phoenix.
“At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, official measurements recorded only 0.04 inches of rain shortly after midnight, underscoring the limited impact of the storm on central Phoenix.”
The light rainfall raised the city’s 2026 monsoon-season total to 1.25 inches, approximately 0.4 inches below the seasonal average for this time of year, according to NWS Phoenix. This deficit reflects a broader trend of suppressed monsoon precipitation across the region. Meteorologists have attributed the pattern to a strengthening high-pressure ridge over northern Arizona that has allowed drier air to settle over metro Phoenix, reducing moisture availability and storm development. Forecast discussions throughout August consistently indicated rain chances in the Valley remained low, often between 10 and 30 percent, while higher activity was favored in the eastern high terrain and southeastern parts of the state.
The limited rainfall has coincided with prolonged extreme heat conditions. An extreme heat warning for metro Phoenix, initially set to expire Friday, Aug. 21, was extended by one day and remains in effect as of Monday, Aug. 24. The NWS forecast office reports well-above-normal temperatures with major to extreme heat risk continuing into the following weekend. High temperatures are expected to reach between 110 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows remaining in the 90s. Local media outlets, citing NWS forecasts, noted Phoenix reached approximately 113 degrees on Monday, Aug. 24. Forecasters have emphasized that little to no thunderstorm activity is expected throughout the week, limiting any significant monsoon cooling or rainfall relief.
Wind and dust have posed significant hazards despite the minimal precipitation. Arizona State University researchers classified two recent dust storms in early August as Category 5 events on a dust storm severity scale, with wind speeds near 50 mph and extremely high dust concentrations. On Aug. 19 and 20, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued blowing dust advisories for Maricopa and northern Pinal counties, including southern metro Phoenix communities such as Avondale and Queen Creek. These advisories warned of rapid visibility reductions on roadways and respiratory risks due to strong outflow winds from monsoon storms, which reached 45 to 55 mph in some areas. Forecasts for that period highlighted a greater likelihood of powerful winds and blowing dust rather than meaningful rainfall for the Valley.
The combination of extreme heat and blowing dust has raised public health and safety concerns. High Pollution Advisories were issued during early August for central Arizona due to hazardous air quality from dust storms, particularly affecting sensitive groups. Health officials and meteorologists have recommended limiting outdoor activity, maintaining hydration, and checking on vulnerable populations amid the ongoing major to extreme heat risk. The persistence of overnight lows in the 90s has reduced nighttime relief from heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the dry conditions and dust events have heightened wildfire risk and created transportation challenges, especially along major corridors such as Interstate 10 and State Route 202, where visibility can drop quickly.
Meteorological sources, including the NWS Phoenix office and local forecasters, have consistently highlighted the spatially uneven nature of the 2026 monsoon season. While eastern and southeastern Arizona have experienced more active storm patterns, metro Phoenix has predominantly faced outflow winds and dust with limited direct rainfall. NWS meteorologist Chris Kuhlman confirmed in a Monday interview that Phoenix received only very light rain from the recent storm. Regional forecasters on social media platforms reiterated forecasts of highs exceeding 110 degrees and rain probabilities remaining below 30 percent for the week.
Looking ahead, forecasts indicate that extreme heat will continue across the Valley through at least Saturday, Aug. 29, with daytime highs regularly reaching between 110 and 114 degrees and minimal chances for significant monsoon precipitation. This pattern follows the established high-pressure ridge that has suppressed convective activity over the lower deserts throughout August. While occasional midweek storm chances of 30 to 40 percent have been projected for parts of Arizona, widespread monsoon rainfall over metro Phoenix is expected to remain sporadic and uncertain for the remainder of the season.
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