Marshall Shepherd

Phoenix, Arizona experienced a rare Category 5 haboob Monday night, described as a Martian horror scene. This intense dust storm, only the fifth of its kind in 16 years, significantly reduced visibility and increased wind speeds. Haboobs are powerful sandstorms driven by strong winds, often from thunderstorm outflows. The storm was classified using the PHX-DUST ranking index, a new scientific tool developed by Arizona State University and partners. This scale evaluates storms based on particulate matter, wind speed, duration, and geographic extent, with this event showing extreme PM10 levels and duration. Experts emphasize dust storms are underappreciated hazards, causing highway fatalities, health problems, and significant economic impacts on infrastructure and daily life. One expert called this event "a big one," highlighting its extreme nature.

Who wins and loses in the U.S. when it comes to snow during a strong El Niño?

The Atlantic hurricane basin, previously quiet due to factors like El Nino and Saharan dust, is now showing signs of awakening. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three potential areas for development. A tropical wave in the Central Tropical Atlantic has an 80% chance of becoming a tropical depression, located 800 miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Another system in the Central Subtropical Atlantic has a 50% chance of forming a short-lived tropical storm before encountering colder waters. A third tropical wave off West Africa has a 20% chance of development. While this activity aligns with typical August patterns for named storms, NOAA still forecasts a below-normal season. Currently, none of these systems are expected to impact the U.S. mainland or reach hurricane strength.

A hurricane has not made a direct landfall in Hawaii in over three decades. Tropical Storm Lala is expected to become a hurricane and come very close to the Big Island

Here's the latest information on Tropical Storm Lala as it approaches Hawaii. Forecasters still expect it to reach hurricane status.

Hurricane Lala, moving northwest at 15 mph with 75 mph winds, continues to bring damaging winds and life-threatening rain to Hawaii's Big Island and Maui County, with one fatality reported. Conditions are expected to deteriorate in Oahu and Kauai on Sunday as Lala weakens to a Tropical Storm. Unusually, Lala also caused snow on Mauna Kea, a rare occurrence for a hurricane, especially in August. While snow on the 14,000-foot summit isn't uncommon due to altitude, its appearance during a hurricane is notable. Though Lala didn't officially make landfall, its eyewall directly impacted the Big Island, marking the first such event since 1871. This snow holds cultural significance for Hawaiians.

How much rain fell from Hurricane Lala. It was measured in multiple feet in some places.

Two weeks later, many communities in the Midwest are without power. An expert explains the science and human toll of a late-summer derecho.

By the time you read this, Tropical Storm Moke is likely to have formed or should do so at some time on Friday.

A true American Icon died this week. While I wasn't a major fan of Dolly Parton's music, I definitely enjoyed some of her songs, particularly Jolene.