![Washington State Gets the Same Strange Storms as Mars](http://townsquare.media/site/134/files/2022/04/attachment-Seattle-Mars.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Washington State Gets the Same Strange Storms as Mars
What is a haboob?
While it may sound like a silly word that would make your mother blush, "haboob" is an Arabic word that means "drifting" or "blasting."
In English, we define haboob as a dust storm.
How do you pronounce haboob?
It sounds exactly as it spells! The 'a' in haboob is short, and the double 'o' makes the long 'o' sound.
Where do haboobs most commonly occur?
Haboos are most frequently found in the Middle East (hence the Arabic origin of the name), North Africa, North America, and Australia.
Where in North America are you likely to encounter a haboob?
The southwest region of the United States is prime haboob territory. Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are obvious culprits but haboobs happen much closer to home than you may realize.
Yes, the Columbia Basin of Washington gets haboobs!
"They're called dust storms," you may say. You'd be correct. But the dust storms we see in Tri-Cities, Spokane, and other parts of Eastern Washington are haboobs! Western Idaho can also experience them. Being an "arid" area has its perks.
![102.7 KORD logo](https://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2020/02/512.png?w=100)
Haboobs can be out of this world, too.
Mars experiences its own dust storms, just like haboobs on planet Earth.
They don't call Mars our sister planet for no reason. As we learn more about the red planet, we discover that 162 million miles can feel much closer to home.
LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades
More From 102.7 KORD
![Be a Volunteer at Ironman 70.3 Washington, Tri-Cities – Here’s How](http://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2024/06/attachment-Untitled-design-38.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Best Campgrounds in Tri-Cities for your Ultimate Outdoor Getaway!](http://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2021/06/attachment-attachment-camping.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two of the Best Meteor Viewing Spots in Washington Are Near Tri-Cities](http://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2024/05/attachment-Untitled-design-5.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Would You Dive this Creepy Submerged Missile Silo Near Tri-Cities?](http://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2022/10/attachment-YouTube-Drivedivedevour.com-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Suns Out and So is a New Law to Slow Street Racing in Tri-Cities](http://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2023/06/attachment-featured-street.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Abandoned Railroad Tunnel Near Tri-Cities is the Perfect Spring Hike](http://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2023/05/attachment-Untitled-design-2023-05-09T103822.426.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![10 Best Tips to a Successful Yard Sale in Washington](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2023/05/attachment-Yard-sale.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Tri-Cities Largest Home is Truly Amazing SEE INSIDE [PHOTOS]](http://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2022/03/attachment-driveway-with-grapes.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Check Your Fridge: Nationwide Recall of 200,000 Pounds of Meat](http://townsquare.media/site/112/files/2024/07/attachment-Recall-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)