By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-04 14:40:22 | Updated at 2026-08-05 03:41:29
13 hours ago
A dangerous dust storm is set to sweep across parts of Arizona on Tuesday, potentially sending disease-causing fungal spores swirling through the air.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a blowing dust advisory for southeastern Arizona from 2pm until 8pm local time, warning that thunderstorms could suddenly reduce visibility to near zero.
Residents with respiratory problems have been urged to remain indoors until the storm passes, while drivers have been told to pull off the road if they encounter a wall of dust.
The immediate alert comes amid warnings that these so-called ‘fungal storms’ could threaten communities across at least 11 states throughout the summer.
Dust storms can disturb soil containing Coccidioides, a microscopic fungus responsible for the potentially fatal lung infection Valley fever, and carry its spores through the air.
Arizona officials have not confirmed that the dust forecast today contains the fungus, but the storm is developing in a region where Coccidioides is found.
Experts fear the threat will intensify as the Southwest moves deeper into the North American monsoon season, when thunderstorms and powerful winds whip up enormous walls of desert soil.
Most people infected with Valley fever suffer flu-like symptoms, but in severe cases the fungus can spread beyond the lungs to the bones, brain and other organs, potentially becoming fatal.
A dangerous dust storm is set to sweep across parts of Arizona on Tuesday, potentially sending disease-causing fungal spores swirling through the air. Pictured is a dust storm hitting outsid of Pheonix Monday evening
The CDC notes at least 11 states at risk for Coccidioides fungal spores
The NWS warned that dust will reduce visibility to between one-quarter and one mile shortly after the storm develops after 2pm as wind gusts are expected to exceed 40mph.
Local meteorologists said winds could reach 60 mph.
'If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park,' the agency said.
'Turn the lights all the way off and keep your foot off the brake pedal. Remember, "Pull Aside, Stay."'
The advisory covers a large swath of southeastern Arizona, including eastern Cochise County, the Upper Gila and San Pedro River valleys, and the Chiricahua, Dragoon, Mule, Huachuca, Santa Rita, Galiuro and Pinaleño Mountains.
A violent dust storm also hit outside of Phoenix Monday evening, stretching as far as Tucson, more than 100 miles south.
Meteorologist Jorge Torres said: 'Monday night's dust storm is still lingering over the Valley this morning, with air quality readings ranging from unhealthy to hazardous.
'Sensitive groups should limit outdoor time early.'
A violent dust storm hit outside of Phoenix Monday evening, stretching as far as Tucson, more than 100 miles south. Tuesday's storm is also hitting in a region home to a fungus known to cause Valley Fever
Dust storms can disturb soil containing Coccidioides, a microscopic fungus responsible for the potentially fatal lung infection Valley fever, and carry its spores through the air. Pictured is a dust storm near Phoenix Monday evening
Coccidioides grows naturally in dry, sandy soils in certain arid parts of the world, like the US Southwest.
It thrives in alkaline-rich soils with hot summers, mild winters and low rainfall, and is generally harmless to most people most of the time unless it is being blown into the air and inhaled into the lungs.
While the CDC has called these infections rare, the agency admitted that: 'Some outbreaks happened in places where scientists did not expect the fungus to live.'
Valley fever cases continue to climb across Arizona, with Maricopa County alone recording 4,498 infections during the first six months of 2026.
More than 12,000 cases were reported statewide last year, while Arizona typically accounts for roughly two-thirds of all US infections.
Researchers have found that cases of Valley fever have already risen dramatically in recent years throughout the Southwest.
However, experts are not sure exactly what is causing the infections to increase so fast.
Valley fever infections surged across the Phoenix area in 2024, climbing 42 percent to 12,522 cases from 8,841 the previous year, state health data shows.
The increase was reflected nationwide, where the annual case count jumped from 16,746 to 22,244.
