On Friday, Chicago experienced a significant dust storm that drastically reduced visibility to near zero, prompting the issuance of the city’s first-ever dust storm warning. The event coincided with forecasts predicting high winds of up to 50 mph, as a storm system in the region led to severe weather, including at least one deadly tornado in Missouri. The dust storm, described as a “wall of dust,” moved into the South Side and other areas around 6:40 p.m., with reported wind speeds reaching up to 60 mph. At Midway Airport, gusts peaked at 59 mph, leading to visibility dropping to roughly a quarter-mile.
This dust storm warning is especially noteworthy as it represents a rare meteorological occurrence for Chicago; although a similar warning was issued in May 2023 for a nearby area, this was the first to directly impact the city itself. Officials from the National Weather Service emphasized the unusual nature of this phenomenon, reflecting on the unprecedented conditions in Chicago’s urban landscape. By approximately 7:40 p.m., conditions began to improve, although visibility remained compromised for a while longer. The National Weather Service’s Chicago office made light of the situation, expressing a mix of surprise and relief as the storm subsided. Overall, the dust storm highlighted the unique and sometimes extreme weather patterns that can affect urban areas, raising awareness about such events in the city.
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