A haboob is a type of intense sandstorm and the name is from Arabic origins.  During our "monsoon" season, we often see these "awesome" storms here in Scottsdale and had one just last night.

 

If you get caught in a haboob while driving, pull over to the side of the road and turn your lights off.  You don't want other drivers experiencing the limited visibility trying to "follow" you and run into the back of your car.

 

Here are photos from last night's haboob here in Scottsdale, AZ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The one on the left is the start of the storm while the one on the right is us fully engulfed in the nose clogging dust storm.

 

 

 

This photo is from Wikipedia taken in a 2003 storm over Ahwautukee, one I actually got caught driving in.

 

The haboob is typically followed by a severe thunderstorm with very high winds.  Last night was no exception.  We got over an inch of rain in less than 1/2 hour and the temperature dropped from 106F to 70F in less than 10 minutes. 

 

Now, get this - the airport had no rain last night so, officially, we still don't have any "measurable" rain in our area.

 

Please, if you see a haboob coming or see the clouds rolling in for one of our severe monsoon rains - get to a safe place ASAP - these are no jokes. 

 

 

 

 


 

 Scottsdale and Cave Creek Real Estate

 

Juli Vosmik

Dominion Real Estate Partners, LLC

480-710-0739


 

 

Helping you make informed decisions whether buying or selling homes in Scottsdale, Cave Creek and north Phoenix Arizona.  I know the area - I live here.


A portion of all sales is donated to the various animal rescue and humane societies.


AZ license SA582226000

 

 

 

 
 
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25 Comments on Just what is a "haboob"?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUL
04
2011
982,302 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Didn't know from Haboobs . . . but then I don't live in arid country.  Amazing photos! 
1:02pm • #6
160,547 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

cool, so just when is the prediction for the end of the world? somehow someone will blame this on global warming.
1:08pm • #7
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Stephen, you didn't get that severe dust storm followed by the strong thunderstorm last night?  It happened up here around Pinnacle Peak.  I heard that to the south, there was just a little wind.

Thanks, Carla - these storms are "awesome" to view, but can cause so much damage.

LOL, Re/max.  Probably, although these haboobs have been around as long as there have been dust areas.  Just got a new name.
1:16pm • #8
312,731 Points Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

When I lived in Damascus, Syria we would get sand storms during the night and every morning you would need to sweep the sand out of the house.  Great pictures.

Sue of Robin and Sue
1:20pm • #9
1,375,534 Points 151 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Unfortunately we have dust again today Juli!  ARGH! 
1:25pm • #10
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Interesting, Sue.  Why were you in Damascus?  I always thought it would be so neat to live in that part of the world - it seems so different culturally than us and the history is fascinating.
1:29pm • #11
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sorry, Renee - I'll try to send some rain your way, but it was so spotty last night, here.  In south Scottsdale, they got nothing, while we got almost an inch just a few miles north. 
1:30pm • #12
228,392 Points 1 Featured Post Called Shot Master

Sounds like something you would find in an Arab country, seems they can be found here in desert country too.   Why would you turn your lights off if you pull to the side of the road?  And, how often do you get them?
2:17pm • #13
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dee, I first thought as you - the turning lights off part.  But, trust me when I tell you the visibility really is limited.  All the car behind would probably see are your lights and they may try to "follow you" only to find out you're stopped. 

We get these from June 15th through September - it's part of our "rainy" season.  We probably get 5-10 a year.  Not a lot, but they are dangerous and extra care really needs to be taken. 
2:47pm • #14
254,151 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I bet the rain is a relief after the sand storm and especially the cooling of the air. Hope you're having a great 4th of July!
3:37pm • #15
796,089 Points Outside Blog

Hi Juli.

That is a new word  that I learned today...

Happy fourth of July.
4:29pm • #16
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You're so right, Dawn - but it was pretty muddy rain, LOL.

Happy fourth of July to you, too, Joshua.
4:40pm • #17
567,295 Points 45 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nicely explained.  We had one north of Surprise yesterday as well. At first I thought I had cataracts. :)

Hope you had a great trip.
8:18pm • #18
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks, Leolinda - I got to go from rain to rain, LOL.  Seriously, we had a wonderful vacation and I'm refreshed and ready to kick off the last 1/2 of the year.  I hope all's well with you.
10:59pm • #19
409,920 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Juli,  Have never hard of a haboob before.  It looks foreboding.  Please be careful if you get caught in it again.
11:05pm • #20
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks, Elyse - when I first moved to Scottsdale from the Chicago area, we used to laugh at the sign along the road - watch for water on the road - hey this is the desert.  Our storms are much more violent than those in the midwest - such extremes.
11:11pm • #21
762,198 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I have never heard of a haboob, they sound and look scary.  The weather patterns continue to be weird.  Flash floods near L.A.
11:35pm • #22
JUL
05
2011
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I hadn't heard of the flash floods by LA, Jane - I hope you're staying safe.    We've got some lightning tonight, but, so far, no rain.  Wish we'd get some so it would cool off.
12:46am • #23
851,032 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Juli, If I did not know better I’d think you were making this up! (LOL) What a silly sounding name for a sand storm. Clearly the translation to English language leaves someone like me laughing … haboob!

For something that sounds so funny … a haboob in no laughing matter. Clearly it is Mother Nature demonstrating her magnificent power. What a memory for you … getting caught in the 2003 storm over Ahwautukee!
10:59am • #24
613,040 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kathleen, these are truly crazy.  That car from the sandstorm - well the windshield had to be replaced because it was so pitted, I couldn't see out of it AFTER the storm.  Not to mention what it did to the finish.  I'd almost say - give me the salt from the snow in Chicago - well, almost, LOL. 
11:03am • #25

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Juli Vosmik - Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

AZ license: SA582226000

Scottsdale, AZ

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Dominion Real Estate Partners, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ

Address: 6939 E Redbird Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85266

Office Phone: (480) 710-0739

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