Dust Storm — Imperial Valley, California

2025-08-24 · Imperial Valley, California

Event narrative

Visibility under 1/4 mile just outside the city of Imperial due to dense blowing dust from thunderstorm outflow winds. No accidents or injuries reported.

Wider weather episode

The subtropical high pressure was situated near the Four Corners Region with south to southeasterly flow in place across much of southern CA. This southerly flow pulled in abundant moisture with Precipitable Water Values exceeding 1.5. The combination of the moisture and daytime heating resulted in MLCAPE in excess of 1000 J/KG with DCAPE values in excess of 1500 J/KG. Widespread thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon across the San Diego Mountains and the northern Baja chain with an isolated severe thunderstorm erupting over southern portions of the Imperial Valley just southwest of El Centro. This thunderstorm was nearly stationary producing damaging winds and blowing dust.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1289396. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.