National Weather ServiceCaliforniaDust Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Dust Storm Warnings in California
The National Weather Service issued 2 dust storm warnings for California in 2025 and 8 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 38% above the average of 7 for those months in 2008-2025. Imperial was covered most often (50 times since 2008).
How many dust storm warnings does California get?
Every dust storm warning that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2008 | 6 |
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 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 California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial | 50 | 9 | September 17, 2026 |
| San Bernardino | 33 | 8 | May 18, 2026 |
| Riverside | 25 | 5 | August 13, 2026 |
| Imperial County | 24 | 0 | August 20, 2016 |
| Lower Colorado River Valley CA | 15 | 0 | August 20, 2016 |
| Inyo | 13 | 4 | May 17, 2026 |
| Death Valley National Park | 5 | 0 | March 30, 2017 |
| Including the Mojave National Preserve | 5 | 0 | March 30, 2017 |
| Riverside County/Eastern Deserts | 5 | 0 | July 30, 2016 |
| San Diego | 3 | 1 | August 13, 2026 |
| Cadiz Basin | 2 | 0 | March 30, 2017 |
| Fresno | 2 | 2 | November 11, 2024 |
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 California 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 San DiegoWarningAugust 12, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Riverside and San Diego, CA
Expired 7:00 p.m. PDT, August 12, 2026
NWS PhoenixWarningAugust 12, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Imperial and Riverside, CA
Expired 7:00 p.m. PDT, August 12, 2026
NWS PhoenixWarningAugust 12, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: Imperial, CA
Expired 5:30 p.m. PDT, August 12, 2026
NWS Las VegasWarningMay 17, 2026
Dust Storm Warning: San Bernardino, CA
Expired 10:45 p.m. PDT, May 17, 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 California.