Dust Storm — San Diego County Deserts, California

2023-07-31 · San Diego County Deserts, California

Event narrative

Gusty outflow winds from a decaying thunderstorm produced strong winds and greatly reduced visibility across the San Diego County deserts early in the morning on July 31. AWOS station KL08 Borrego Valley Airport reported a wind gust of 40 mph, and the Borrego Springs AWOS reported 1/2 mile visibility in blowing dust for about 20 minutes.

Wider weather episode

Outflow from decaying thunderstorms produced gusty winds across the Coachella Valley and the San Diego County deserts early in the morning on July 31. Widespread wind gusts over 40 mph occurred for an hour across the region, and reduced visibility as low as 1/4 mile was noted at the Thermal Airport and the Palm Springs Airport.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1124511. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.