National Weather ServiceBlowing Dust AdvisoryVTEC DU.YArchive to October 1, 2026
Blowing Dust Advisory: what it means and how often it is issued
The National Weather Service issued 127 blowing dust advisories in 2025 and 60 a year on average in 2008-2025; Arizona, Texas and New Mexico got the most in 2021-2025. 2026 through September: 77, 47% above the average of 53 for those months in 2008-2025.
What is a blowing dust advisory?
A blowing dust advisory means blowing dust will reduce visibility and make driving hazardous, below warning values. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful.
Source: National Weather Service directives and glossary.
How many blowing dust advisories a year?
National count: each blowing dust advisory counted once, whatever the number of states it covers. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 77 |
| 2025 | 127 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2023 | 58 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2021 | 51 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2019 | 19 |
| 2018 | 48 |
| 2017 | 74 |
| 2016 | 97 |
| 2015 | 66 |
| 2014 | 123 |
| 2013 | 75 |
| 2012 | 83 |
| 2011 | 25 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2008 | 10 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Which states get the most blowing dust advisories?
Yearly average per state, 2021-2025. A blowing dust advisory covering two states counts in both.
| State | A year, 2021-2025 | A year, 2008-2025 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 23 | 28 | 25 |
| Texas | 17 | 11 | 50 |
| New Mexico | 13 | 7 | 44 |
| Colorado | 10 | 4 | 8 |
| California | 9 | 10 | 4 |
| Kansas | 9 | 4 | 11 |
| Nevada | 7 | 4 | 14 |
| Nebraska | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Washington | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Oklahoma | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| Oregon | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Arkansas | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Illinois | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Missouri | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Indiana | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Minnesota | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| North Dakota | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Utah | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alaska | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Michigan | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Ohio | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Idaho | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Mississippi | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Montana | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.