News Summary
On August 25, 2025, Phoenix, Arizona was struck by a powerful haboob and severe thunderstorms, resulting in over 60,000 power outages and significant disruptions at the airport. Visibility during the storms decreased dangerously, leading to temporary flight delays and cancellations. Emergency services responded to hazardous driving conditions while local residents experienced downed trees and street debris. While the storm did bring relief in the form of rain, restoring power was crucial for affected customers. Conditions are expected to clear but additional thunderstorms may occur later in the week.
Phoenix, Arizona experienced a significant weather event on Monday, August 25, 2025, as a towering wall of dust, known as a haboob, swept through the metro area, accompanied by severe thunderstorms. This dual weather phenomenon resulted in widespread power outages impacting over 60,000 customers, primarily in Maricopa County, and prompted temporary flight delays and cancellations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
As the haboob rolled in, approximately 55,000 customers experienced power loss late Monday afternoon due to the inclement weather. The storm caused significant disruptions with a ground stop issued at the airport around 5:30 PM for about 30 minutes due to reduced visibility. Passengers reported that visibility dropped dramatically, with some unable to see even a few feet in front of them, making travel hazardous.
The storm was fueled by downdrafts from thunderstorms that picked up desert soil, creating the massive dust wall. In the town of Gilbert, AZ, authorities reported incidents of downed trees and traffic light outages, while debris from strong winds littered city streets. Local residents shared experiences of perilous driving conditions, with one individual describing a situation where she had to pull over, unable to see her hand in front of her face.
By Tuesday afternoon, power restoration efforts had largely been completed, and only minor flight delays were reported at the airport, with crews having worked overnight to assess damage and clean up water from leaks caused by the storm. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport sustained roof damage due to the high winds, with materials blown onto the tarmac.
The National Weather Service had previously issued warnings for both dust storms and severe thunderstorms as the monsoon storm system advanced from the southeast, reaching downtown Phoenix within an hour. Approximately one-third of an inch of rain was recorded during the event, providing some relief amidst a year marked by below-average precipitation, although the rainfall was insufficient to significantly alleviate drought conditions in the area.
Driving conditions were particularly hazardous during the storm, with officials advising motorists to “pull aside, stay alive” in response to the dangerous low visibility. Flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor experienced delays averaging about 15 minutes, with three flights canceled and one diverted due to the storm’s impact.
The haboob phenomenon is common in Arizona, particularly during the monsoon season. The region often experiences severe weather characterized by dust storms and heavy thunderstorms, which can lead to hazardous conditions. Emergency services and weather advisories continue to caution residents about the risks associated with driving during such weather events.
As conditions are expected to remain warm and clear in the Phoenix area following this storm, chances for further thunderstorms are anticipated to decrease later in the week. Despite the challenges caused by the haboob and accompanying thunderstorms, the relief provided by the rainfall is a welcomed, albeit small, respite for residents facing persistent drought conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNN
- Wikipedia: Haboob
- New York Times
- Google Search: phoenix weather haboob
- AP News
- Google Scholar: phoenix dust storm
- AZ Central
- Encyclopedia Britannica: phoenix weather
- Fox Weather
- Google News: phoenix haboob news
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
