Dust Storm — San Diego County Deserts, California

2021-08-31 · San Diego County Deserts, California

Event narrative

A dust storm moved through the Borrego Valley on August 31. Dust was caught on area webcameras. Late afternoon thunderstorms caused the wind and dust. Very high levels of PM 2.5 and 10 were recorded by Anza Borrego Desert Research.

Wider weather episode

An influx of monsoonal moisture impacted portions of the southwestern U.S. from August 29th through 31st. This brought multiple thunderstorms from the deserts of Southern California all the way to the coast, where areas saw gusty winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. On August 30 and 31, severe thunderstorms impacted the Salton Sea and produce heavy rainfall. On August 31 a significant dust storm moved through the Coachella Valley and into the Borrego Deserts. On both days trees were reported downed in the lower Coachella Valley.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 983712. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.