A haboob is a type of intense dust storm characteristic of very dry regions. They are most commonly observed in the Sahara desert (typically Sudan) and in the dry regions of the United States Southwest, such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Haboobs result from the northward summer shift of the intertropical front into North Africa, bringing moisture from the Gulf of Guinea.

Haboobs are associated with the outflow of cool gusty downdraft from severe thunderstorms. When this downdraft reaches the ground, dry, loose sand from the desert settings is essentially blown up creating a wall of sediment preceding the storm cloud. This wall of sand can be up to 100 Km (62 miles) wide and several Kilometers in elevation. Often rain is not seen at the ground level as it evaporates in the hot, dry air (phenomenon known as virga), though on occasion when the rain does persist the precipitation can contain a considerable quantity of dust (severe cases called "mud storms"). Eye and respiratory system protection are advisable for anyone who must be outside during a haboob - moving to a place of shelter is highly desirable during a strong event.

The word haboob comes from the Arabic word هبوب 'strong wind or "phenomenon".'

Storms

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Haboob