The interaction between the cold front that skirted the US border and failed to reach the state, and an avalanche of air that lifted loose soil generated by the drought, was the origin of the recent sandstorm that occurred Tuesday afternoon. This phenomenon makes three so far this year, and although they cannot be predicted, more are very likely to occur, explained Ildelfonso Díaz, a meteorologist with the State Civil Protection Coordination (CEPC).
The specialist explained that the event was due to a combination of unusual atmospheric conditions: “We had an air mass moving from the northeast toward the center of the state, pushed by a cold front that did not descend to Chihuahua, but instead remained along the northern border,” he explained.
This cold air mass, as it brushed against an extremely dry surface—a result of the persistent drought in the north of the country and the southern United States—lifted soil particles that gave rise to the storm. “If the ground weren’t so dry, we would have only felt a cool air current; but the dust present in those areas was carried by the wind,” Díaz said.
The phenomenon, which primarily affected municipalities such as Ahumada, Buenaventura, and Chihuahua, is not common, although it is not isolated either. Two similar storms occurred in April: one in Aldama and another on the 21st, during Holy Week. Another occurred in May, and now this third one, recorded on Tuesday.
“The drought leaves the soil loose and makes it easier for any air mass that passes through certain areas of the state to lift it. These conditions are still present, so we cannot rule out more storms of this type in the coming months,” he noted.
Although the phenomenon generated an alert, it was not a large-scale storm. In fact, in some areas of South Texas, where the current originated, light rain was expected, not a dust storm. “Even with the support of international models like those from NOAA, an event of this magnitude was not anticipated,” he added.
Although the air carried humidity—with levels close to 80%—it was not enough to generate rain in Chihuahua. Only the presence of suspended particles was recorded, which affected air quality. Díaz warned that these episodes, in addition to reducing visibility, can cause eye and respiratory irritation, and therefore recommended that the population avoid outdoor activities, close doors and windows, and wear a face mask if necessary.
“In the United States, cold fronts continue to generate even in June or July. If one of them encounters dry and windy conditions in our region again, we could have another sandstorm,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, temperatures in the state will continue to rise. After the brief drop recorded on Tuesday, the thermometer is expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius again in the coming days, and the heat wave is expected to persist at least until Monday. Rainfall, although likely in the mountainous region, will remain scarce in the areas most affected by the drought.
Source: eldiariodechihuahua
