haboob

American  

[huh-boob] / həˈbub /

noun

1. a thick dust storm or sandstorm that blows in the deserts of North Africa and Arabia or on the plains of India.

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Etymology

Origin of haboob

First recorded in 1895–1900, haboob is from the Arabic word habūb a strong wind

Example Sentences

In the Middle East, such a storm is called a “haboob.”

From Salon

There is also good news for Central Valley residents: The rain that followed the haboob soaked the valley floor, so forecasters believe another dust storm is unlikely.

From Los Angeles Times

The so-called ‘haboob’ swept through the valley on Monday afternoon from about 1:30 to 4 p.m., said Emily Wilson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service at Hanford.

From Los Angeles Times

The weather service staff were able to see the haboob with their own eyes, a “distinct wall of dust” that “looked just like a classic Arizona dust storm,” according to Wilson.

From Los Angeles Times

A dust wall pushed by thunderstorms, also called a haboob, blew over the Phoenix area on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

From BBC