Chicago Faces Unprecedented Dust Storm on Friday

CHICAGO, Ill. — On Friday, May 19, 2025, residents of the Chicagoland area experienced a rare dust storm that darkened the sky and caused significant disruptions. The storm coincided with thunderstorms in central Illinois, where wind speeds reached up to 70 mph, pushing clouds of dust into Chicago.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a dust storm warning for the city, stating it was the first time such an alert had been issued for Chicago. As the winds surged northward over dry farmlands, they collected dust that ended up obscuring visibility and making travel hazardous.

Local high school graduation ceremonies were affected, and plane departures at Midway Airport were halted due to the sudden storm. Drivers reported difficulties navigating the freeways, with some describing it as driving into a wall of dust. Many fans attending a Beyoncé concert at Soldier Field expressed concerns about visibility during the event.

Despite the dust storm, Chicago was fortunate to avoid tornadoes that hit other areas, particularly St. Louis, where at least 14 people lost their lives. However, the dust storm raised questions about its rarity. Weather experts attributed the phenomenon to the combination of dry conditions in central Illinois and strong winds.

The NWS added that the exceptionally dry spring and the recent tilling of farmland contributed to the situation. Some locals voiced concerns about agricultural practices contributing to soil erosion, recalling the Dust Bowl period described in John Steinbeck‘s literature.

While the storm caused temporary inconvenience, some local businesses benefited, as car washes across the city reported a surge in customers with vehicles coated in dust.