Phoenix Air Quality Alert: Central Arizona Dust

What is the location of the dust storm?

As of July 1, 2025, a dust storm moved over Phoenix, Arizona, which severely impacted air quality in the city. Combined with extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 113 degrees, the dust has led to widespread poor air quality and orange skies over the city (1)(2).

Which cities or areas are affected by dust?

Dust and extreme heat are combining to create poor air quality ranging well into the hazardous air quality range in metropolitan Phoenix, impacting neighborhoods including:

• Chandler
• Glendale
• Mesa
• Peoria
• Scottsdale
• Surprise
• Tempe

Hazardous air quality measured in Phoenix, Arizona. Source: IQAir AirVisual map. 

How long will the dust last?

It’s not expected that the extremely dusty conditions will last long. The extreme heat warning will stay in effect through at least Tuesday evening (3).

Some relief from may come from rain and thunderstorms, which may arrive on Wednesday.

Are there any alerts in place?

There is a blowing dust advisory for southern Arizona on Tuesday, through 8 PM. Additionally, there’s a red flag warning for Mohave County in the northwest of the state.

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.