A haboob moved across Maricopa and much of western Pinal County Monday evening, bringing a dramatic drop in visibility and up to a quarter-inch of rain, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Worley.
Worley said the dust storm started rolling in from the east at 6:30 p.m. and reached John Wayne Parkway about 10 minutes later. The blowing dust caused visibility to fall sharply along parts of State Route 347 and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.
Drivers pulled over for about 15 minutes between Gila River Bridge and Cement Plant Road as conditions worsened. Photos and videos of the storm were widely shared on social media as residents watched the dust and rain move through the area.
Rain chances are expected to stay below 10% through midweek before climbing to between 50% and 70% beginning Thursday, according to Worley. He said those are likely the best odds of rain seen so far this summer.
