First Alert Weather Alert Day: Tracking air quality following Monday’s haboob

Air quality is now 'moderate' valley-wide. We recommend you spend less time outdoors today until air quality improves, especially for individuals who may be sensitive to particles in the air. As well, take extra caution when driving, as visibility will likely be impacted as well.

The reason for the unfavorable air quality today was a haboob. Haboobs form as a result of the outflow from thunderstorms, just like the one we saw to our southeast early yesterday morning. The outflow from these storms is also known as a gust front and moves away from the storm. This gust front is normally invisible, but in sandy areas can become visible as a result of all the sand and dust it picks up. This visible wall of sand and dust resulting from the outflow of a storm is known as a haboob.

Thunderstorm chances increase late this morning into the afternoon before the atmosphere begins to dry out.

Storm chances will also be mainly focused on the mountain and high desert communities. Although some rain in the valley cannot be ruled out.

Drier and warmer-than-average conditions are expected by the end of the work week.

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