A large-scale sandstorm affected southern Xinjiang, China, on March 13, 2026, as strong winds associated with a regional cold wave mobilized desert dust across the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert.
A fast-moving dust storm affected outback communities in New South Wales on January 31, 2026, resulting in hazardous driving conditions and widespread dust deposition. Meteorologists from the Bureau of Meteorology reported the system formed as dry topsoil was lifted by intense westerly gusts exceeding 70 km/h (45 mph).
A massive haboob swept through metro Phoenix, Arizona on August 25, 2025, reducing visibility to near zero and grounding flights at Sky Harbor International Airport. Power outages peaked at more than 54 000 customers, with more than 15 000 still without electricity by the end of the day.
A severe dust storm produced near-zero to zero visibility along Interstate 10 between Lordsburg and Deming, New Mexico, at about 17:30 local time (LT) on August 12, 2025, prompting a full closure of the corridor between mile markers 20 and 81, roughly 98 km (61 miles). Conditions improved in the area by 18:30 LT.
A massive dust storm swept across the Ica Valley, southern Peru, on July 31, 2025, with experts describing it as unprecedented in the region. The phenomenon reduced visibility to near zero, disrupted transport, and was driven by an unusual convergence of high‑ and low‑pressure systems.
A powerful dust storm swept through Sistan and Baluchestan on June 1, 2025, causing over 1 500 people to seek medical help and prompting the closure of government offices and major roads.
A dust storm with near-zero visibility contributed to two crashes on US 395 near Connell, Washington, on May 31, 2025, resulting in one death and five injuries, according to the Washington State Patrol.
A thick dust storm significantly degraded air quality across Greater Sydney and the Illawarra region, Australia, on the morning of May 27, 2025. Particulate matter (PM10) levels surpassed 900 μg/m³ in some locations, prompting health warnings from authorities.
The first-ever Dust Storm Warning for the Chicago metro area was issued on May 16, 2025, as winds of up to 113 km/h (70 mph) carried dust into the city. The storm reduced visibility to near zero and affected major routes across Chicago and surrounding areas.
Strong winds and dense sand clouds struck Ouargla, Algeria, on May 14, 2025, reducing visibility to near zero, halting traffic, and forcing road closures.
