Naming Our Dust Storms Could Lighten The West Texas Skies

If we don't see some rain soon, you can expect plenty of dust storms — and maybe even half a dozen haboobs. Actually, that’s not exactly accurate, so let’s clear up one of the biggest misconceptions in West Texas weather: some rain can actually increase dust storm chances.

A tiny bit of moisture doesn’t settle the dirt. It can actually break it up into finer particles, making it easier for the wind to scoop it up and slap you right across the face. I couldn’t begin to guess how much rain we’d need before things stop getting dusty, but I’m pretty confident it’s more than the “sprinkle and a prayer” we usually get around here.

So if we’re stuck with dust storms, we might as well have fun and name them like hurricanes. It may sound ridiculous, but earlier this week I heard someone describe which dust storm kicked off their adventure with Flonase — and honestly, that’s as good a reason as any to start assigning names.

Lubbock Weather: The Simple Difference Between a Dust Storm and a Haboob

But before we go any further, let’s pause for the people who cannot wait to argue about terminology. This is simple:

• A dust storm is what you get when strong winds pick up loose dirt.

• A haboob is the dramatic leading edge of a collapsing storm — the part that looks like a rolling wall of dust straight out of a disaster movie.

Now that we’re all on the same gritty page, it’s time to name these things.

🌪️ 15 Possible Dust Storm Names

• Dusty McDustface

• Gustina Aguilera

• Sir Swirl-A-Lot

• Haboob Marley

• Dirt Reynolds

• Gritney Spears

• Silt Chamberlain

• Adam Sand-ler (didn’t even have to change it)

• Sahara O’Hara

• Twister Sister

• Joe Blow

• Billow the Kid

• The Great Gritsby

• Sandy Griffith