METAR weather code reference for DU (Dust)
Fine particles of earth or other matter raised from the ground by wind and suspended in the atmosphere. Widespread dust reduces visibility and is most commonly reported in arid regions. Dust events can cause significant restrictions to visibility and affect engine performance.
Here are common ways DU appears in real METAR observations:
DUBLDUDU HZThese METAR codes are commonly seen alongside DU or describe related weather phenomena:
Larger particles of sand raised by the wind to moderate heights, reducing visibility. Sand is coarser than dust and typically stays closer to the surface. Blowing sand can cause engine damage, windshield abrasion, and significant visibility restrictions at airports in desert regions.
Fine dry particles of dust, salt, or other matter suspended in the atmosphere that give the sky a characteristic opalescent appearance. Unlike mist, haze particles are not water-based. Haze reduces visibility and is most common in warm, dry conditions. It can persist for days under stagnant high pressure systems.
A severe weather condition in which strong winds lift large quantities of dust into the atmosphere, reducing visibility to less than 5/8 of a mile. Dust storms can develop rapidly and create near-zero visibility conditions. They are most common in arid and semi-arid regions.
Weather phenomenon raised by the wind to heights of 6 feet or more above the surface, significantly reducing visibility. Commonly used with snow (BLSN), dust (BLDU), and sand (BLSA). Blowing snow is especially hazardous because it can create whiteout conditions and make it impossible to distinguish the horizon or runway edges.