Phoenix dust storm hits Category 5, sparking health alerts and heat warnings

A dust storm that swept through Phoenix on Monday night was officially rated Category 5 on the ASU‑developed Phoenix Dust Storm Scale, the highest level and only the fifth such event in 15 years of data. The storm packed more than a million dust particles per breath, posing serious risks to people with lung or heart disease, the very young, the elderly and the immunocompromised, according to ASU emergency‑room physician Dr. Frank LoVecchio. Arizona State University has launched a new dust‑storm dashboard that shows real‑time exposure levels across the valley.

The aftermath left hazy air and poor air‑quality forecasts for the next several days. A strong heat dome will keep temperatures near 110 °F, while scattered thunderstorms may bring brief rain and gusty outflows that could stir additional dust. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme‑heat warning for the region, urging residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity.