By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR<\/p>\n
Published: 15:27 BST, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 17:34 BST, 4 August 2026<\/p>\n
A dangerous dust storm is set to sweep across parts of Arizona on Tuesday, potentially sending disease-causing fungal spores swirling through the air.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a blowing dust advisory for southeastern Arizona from 2pm until 8pm local time, warning that thunderstorms could suddenly reduce visibility to near zero.<\/p>\n
Residents with respiratory problems have been urged to remain indoors until the storm passes, while drivers have been told to pull off the road if they encounter a wall of dust.<\/p>\n
The immediate alert comes amid warnings that these so-called \u2018fungal storms\u2019 could threaten communities across at least 11 states throughout the summer.<\/p>\n
Dust storms can disturb soil containing Coccidioides, a microscopic fungus responsible for the potentially fatal lung infection Valley fever, and carry its spores through the air.<\/p>\n
Arizona officials have not confirmed that the dust forecast today contains the fungus, but the storm is developing in a region where Coccidioides is found.<\/p>\n
Experts fear the threat will intensify as the Southwest moves deeper into the North American monsoon season, when thunderstorms and powerful winds whip up enormous walls of desert soil.<\/p>\n
Most people infected with Valley fever suffer flu-like symptoms, but in severe cases the fungus can spread beyond the lungs to the bones, brain and other organs, potentially becoming fatal.<\/p>\n
A dangerous dust storm is set to sweep across parts of Arizona on Tuesday, potentially sending disease-causing fungal spores swirling through the air. Pictured is a dust storm hitting outside of Phoenix Monday evening<\/p>\n
The CDC notes at least 11 states at risk for\u00a0Coccidioides fungal spores\u00a0<\/p>\n
The NWS warned that dust will reduce visibility to between one-quarter and one mile shortly after the storm develops after 2pm as wind gusts are expected to exceed 40mph.<\/p>\n
Local meteorologists said winds could reach 60 mph.<\/p>\n
'If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park,' the agency said.<\/p>\n