Blowing Dust and Isolated Storms Impact Phoenix Area Amid Extreme Heat
Blowing Dust and Isolated Storms Impact Phoenix Area Amid Extreme Heat
US · Published Aug 20, 2026
A surge of moisture from the Gulf of California has triggered monsoon storms across Arizona, bringing blowing dust, damaging winds, and power outages to the Phoenix area.
The storms began Wednesday night, with a wall of dust and strong winds moving into the Valley around 9:30 p.m.

Impact & Risks

The monsoon storms caused significant disruptions, including power outages for thousands of residents in Maricopa and Pinal counties. Downed trees and debris in Gilbert created hazardous road conditions, prompting police to warn drivers to exercise caution. The extreme heat warning remains in effect, posing health risks such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable populations. The potential for additional storms on Thursday night could exacerbate these risks and lead to further disruptions.

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