Massive haboob turns Phoenix sky dark, causes widespread disruption
A massive dust storm, or haboob, swept into Phoenix on 25 Aug, plunging the city into darkness and leaving thousands without power. Winds of up to 70 mph damaged Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, delayed flights, and toppled trees.
- A massive haboob hit Phoenix on 25 Aug, plunging the city into darkness.
- Winds up to 70 mph toppled trees, cut power, and damaged infrastructure.
Phoenix was shrouded in an eerie darkness on Monday, 25 August 2025, as a massive dust storm — known as a haboob — rolled across the city, toppling trees, cutting power, and damaging critical infrastructure.
The storm, driven by wind gusts reaching 70 mph (113 km/h), left thousands without electricity and caused significant damage at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where a connector bridge was torn apart, according to AccuWeather.
Flight operations were delayed, while across the city roads were choked by dust and drivers struggled with near-zero visibility.
Videos from residents showed the dust wall swallowing entire neighborhoods in a scene likened to something out of an apocalyptic film, with thunder rumbling in the background as the storm advanced.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, haboobs are produced when intense downdrafts from thunderstorms slam into the desert floor, kicking up dust that spreads rapidly ahead of the storm front.
Meteorologist Sean Benedict told The Guardian that some haboobs can stretch for up to 100 miles, depending on the conditions.
Monday’s dust storm was followed by heavy rain, lightning, and additional wind damage across the metropolitan area.
AZ Central, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported widespread outages and damage to property.
While dust storms are common in Arizona’s arid climate, scientists note that regional monsoon systems have become stronger since the 1970s, a trend linked to rising global temperatures.
Whether this means haboobs themselves will become more frequent, however, remains uncertain.
