A series of severe thunderstorms and dust storms are threatening travel across Arizona highways, with gusts exceeding 58 mph expected to create dangerous conditions for drivers.
Why it matters: The combination of severe winds and heavy rainfall poses a risk to public safety, especially for motorists traveling through affected areas.
Tucson forecasters predict severe thunderstorms with gusts over 50 knots (about 58 mph) along a convergence line from Pinal County to Phoenix.
Winds capable of stripping dust off the desert could reduce visibility to near zero, creating hazardous driving conditions.
Rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour under larger storm cells, with an isolated flooding threat due to the mobile nature of the storms.
Driving the news: On July 13, 2026, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for southeastern Cochise County after storms dropped between 0.5 to 1 inch of rain.
The warning covered Route 80 and Route 191, affecting areas including Douglas, Pirtleville, and the Bisbee-Douglas Airport.
Peak wind threats have passed, but forecasters expect gusts around 35 mph on Monday, still posing a risk of isolated flash flooding.
Storms are forecasted to develop across Pinal, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties through the afternoon and into the evening.
The big picture: Dust storms are not just a local issue; they have global implications, affecting health and transportation in various regions.
In 2025, record-breaking dust storms impacted regions like China and the U.S.-Mexico border, disrupting economic activities and transport.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that North Africa and the Middle East were heavily affected by dust storms during this period.
China experienced its worst dust intrusion in a decade, resulting in hazardous air quality and health risks.
What they're saying: Experts highlight the importance of monitoring and forecasting dust storms to mitigate their impacts.
"Sand and dust storms affect air quality and human health, reduce agricultural productivity, and disrupt transport," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
Saulo emphasized the need for international cooperation in strengthening observations and data exchange to improve forecasting capabilities.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and satellite technology show promise in enhancing dust storm predictions.
By the numbers: Dust storms are a major global concern, with millions of tons of dust entering the atmosphere annually.
Approximately 2,000 million tons of dust are transported across continents and oceans each year.
Major dust sources include deserts such as the Sahara, Gobi, and Arabian Desert, exacerbated by environmental degradation.
In the U.S., the number of dust storms in the El Paso region doubled in 2025 compared to previous years, with the highest recorded PM10 concentrations since monitoring began.
Between the lines: The hazards posed by dust storms extend beyond immediate weather conditions.
Dust storms can lead to multiple fatal highway crashes, as seen during the peak of dust activity in March 2025, which resulted in school and highway closures.
The phenomenon is linked to broader environmental issues, such as land management practices and climate change.
Improving forecasting and monitoring systems is key to reducing the risks associated with dust storms.
What's next: As storms continue to develop across Arizona, drivers should remain vigilant and informed.
Forecasters warn that storms may coincide with peak travel times, particularly during evening commutes.
Drivers are advised to follow safety protocols: pull aside during dust storms and avoid flooded areas.
Authorities will continue monitoring storm activity and issuing warnings as necessary to protect public safety.
As the situation evolves, it's clear that dust storms are a persistent threat, requiring both local awareness and global cooperation to address their impacts effectively.