National Weather ServiceArizonaDust Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Dust Storm Warnings in Arizona
The National Weather Service issued 56 dust storm warnings for Arizona in 2025 and 31 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 47, 62% above the average of 29 for those months in 2008-2025. Pinal was covered most often (198 times since 2008).
How many dust storm warnings does Arizona get?
Every dust storm warning that covered part of Arizona. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 47 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 92 |
| 2021 | 45 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2018 | 77 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2012 | 25 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2010 | 25 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2008 | 22 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinal | 198 | 69 | August 24, 2026 |
| Maricopa | 150 | 48 | August 24, 2026 |
| Northwest and North Central Pinal County | 97 | 0 | August 21, 2016 |
| Greater Phoenix Area | 67 | 0 | August 21, 2016 |
| Pima | 66 | 35 | August 31, 2026 |
| Yuma | 62 | 6 | September 17, 2026 |
| Mohave | 51 | 10 | July 20, 2026 |
| Southwest Maricopa County | 43 | 0 | August 9, 2016 |
| Cochise | 42 | 38 | August 5, 2026 |
| La Paz | 42 | 6 | September 17, 2026 |
| South Central Pinal County including Eloy/Picacho Peak State Park | 29 | 0 | August 23, 2017 |
| Southwest Deserts | 17 | 0 | July 30, 2016 |
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.
The latest dust storm warnings for Arizona in AreaZine's record
NWS PhoenixWarningSeptember 16, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: La Paz, Yuma and Imperial, AZ and CA
Expired 6:45 p.m. PDT, September 16, 2026
NWS TucsonWarningAugust 30, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Pima, AZ
Expired 7:15 p.m. PDT, August 30, 2026
NWS TucsonWarningAugust 27, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Pima, AZ
Expired 6:30 p.m. PDT, August 27, 2026
NWS PhoenixWarningAugust 23, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Maricopa and Pinal, AZ
Expired 8:30 p.m. PDT, August 23, 2026
NWS TucsonWarningAugust 23, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Pima, AZ
Expired 6:45 p.m. PDT, August 23, 2026
NWS PhoenixWarningAugust 19, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Maricopa, AZ
Expired 12:00 a.m. PDT, August 20, 2026
NWS PhoenixWarningAugust 19, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Maricopa and Pinal, AZ
Expired 8:45 p.m. PDT, August 19, 2026
NWS TucsonWarningAugust 19, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Pima and Pinal, AZ
Expired 8:45 p.m. PDT, August 19, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a dust storm warning?
A dust storm warning means blowing dust will cut visibility to a quarter mile or less, a severe danger to drivers. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Arizona.