© Rob Schumacher / The Arizona Republic
A saguaro stands silhouetted against a giant dust storm as it rolls through Phoenix on Tuesday.
A saguaro stands silhouetted against a giant dust storm as it rolls through Phoenix on Tuesday.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality said lingering humidity contributed to the hazy conditions evident most of the day.
With high moisture levels, any particle in the air, including leftover dust from a haboob or the daily flow of vehicle exhaust, can attract microscopic water particles. The water then enhances the image of the solid particle, like a magnifying glass.
The result is air quality that looks worse than it actually is and that is likely to persist until moisture levels fall or rain washes away the dust.
Meanwhile, Maricopa County air-quality officials are suggesting steps to help keep the remaining dust as near to the ground as possible:
-Don't drive or park on dirt surfaces or, if you must, drive slowly.
-Avoid using leaf blowers or other implements that raise dust.
