National Weather ServiceCaliforniaDust AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Dust Advisories in California
The National Weather Service issued 6 dust advisories for California in 2025 and 15 a year on average in 2018-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 8, 40% below the average of 13 for those months in 2008-2025. Imperial was covered most often (110 times since 2018).
How many dust advisories does California get?
Every dust advisory that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 8 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 23 |
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 California get them?
Sum of 2018-2025; 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 California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2018 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial | 110 | 43 | September 17, 2026 |
| Riverside | 48 | 14 | August 11, 2026 |
| San Bernardino | 3 | 0 | August 7, 2022 |
| Kern | 2 | 2 | December 24, 2024 |
| Kings | 2 | 1 | November 11, 2024 |
| San Diego | 2 | 1 | July 31, 2023 |
| Tulare | 2 | 1 | November 11, 2024 |
| Fresno | 1 | 0 | June 6, 2020 |
| Lassen | 1 | 0 | August 5, 2022 |
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 dust advisory?
A dust advisory means blowing dust or sand will cut visibility to between a quarter mile and one mile, a hazard to drivers. 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 California.