CHICAGO, IL — On Friday, May 16, 2025, a rare and intense dust storm swept through the Chicago metropolitan area, leading the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue its first-ever Dust Storm Warning for the city. The storm, driven by wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph, significantly reduced visibility and disrupted transportation across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
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NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) – May 17, 2025 A dust storm swept through Chicago, casting an eerie haze over the city and nearly obscuring the iconic skyline beneath a thick veil of blowing dust. |
The NWS Chicago office noted that this was only the second Dust Storm Warning in its history, with the first occurring on May 7, 2023, which did not affect the metro area. Friday's warning marked the first time such an alert included the city of Chicago.
The dust storm originated from dry, tilled farmlands in central Illinois, where strong winds lifted loose topsoil into the air. The resulting wall of dust rapidly advanced northward, enveloping Chicago and its suburbs in a dense haze. Visibility dropped to near zero in several areas, including downtown Chicago, Joliet, and Kankakee County.
Transportation was heavily impacted, with hazardous driving conditions reported on Interstates 55, 57, and 80. In Kankakee County, visibility was reduced to zero around 6:30 p.m., recovering to approximately 10 miles by 7 p.m. The storm also prompted temporary ground stops at O'Hare and Midway airports, which were later lifted.
Meteorologists explained that the phenomenon was caused by a combination of factors, including dry soil conditions and strong winds associated with a passing storm system. Satellite imagery captured the extensive dust plume moving across the region.
The Dust Storm Warning was in effect until 8:30 p.m. local time, after which conditions began to improve. No injuries or fatalities were reported in connection with the event.
For a visual account of the dust storm's progression through the Chicago area, you can view the following video: