National Weather ServiceWashingtonBlowing Dust AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Blowing Dust Advisories in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 0 blowing dust advisories for Washington in 2025 and 3 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 9th most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 106% above the average of 2 for those months in 2008-2025. Upper Columbia Basin was covered most often (34 times since 2008).
How many blowing dust advisories does Washington get?
Every blowing dust advisory that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2008 | 0 |
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 does Washington get them?
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.
Where in Washington?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Columbia Basin | 34 | 7 | September 29, 2026 |
| Moses Lake Area | 33 | 7 | September 25, 2026 |
| Waterville Plateau | 21 | 5 | August 29, 2026 |
| Washington Palouse | 18 | 6 | September 29, 2026 |
| Lower Columbia Basin of Washington | 14 | 2 | September 29, 2024 |
| Spokane Area | 12 | 6 | September 25, 2026 |
| Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington | 11 | 2 | September 29, 2024 |
| Yakima Valley | 9 | 0 | April 13, 2021 |
| Lower Garfield and Asotin Counties | 8 | 2 | August 29, 2026 |
| Lower Columbia Basin | 5 | 0 | September 4, 2010 |
| Foothills of the Blue Mountains | 4 | 0 | August 26, 2010 |
| Kittitas Valley | 3 | 0 | September 7, 2020 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
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. The national record · Every warning type in Washington.