Scientists from the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) have released incredible footage of the dust storm that hit Mexico and southern US states. Accelerated satellite images show a dust cloud tens of kilometers wide moving at tsunami speed. Researcher Dakota Smith of Colorado called the phenomenon “unprecedented” because of its intensity and geographic scope.
An incredible view of a dust storm charging south across Mexico. pic.twitter.com/pYVajCbbs0
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) April 21, 2025
According to the CIMSS blog, the storm was caused by a cold atmospheric front that brought wind gusts of up to 93 km/h. Dust rose over southern New Mexico, southwest Texas and northern Mexico, reducing visibility in Carlsbad to 400 meters. The leading edge of the cloud moved at 65 km/h, covering populated areas within minutes.
GOES-18: rescue satellite
The unique footage was obtained thanks to the GOES-18 satellite launched by NOAA in 2022. Its cameras take pictures every 30 seconds, sending data to a control center in Maryland. This allows meteorologists to quickly analyze hazards ranging from tornadoes to wildfires.
“GOES-18 is our eyes for monitoring the Western Hemisphere,” NOAA explains, ”It covers even remote areas of the Pacific Ocean and Alaska.
The GOES satellite network, developed by Lockheed Martin, has become key to predicting disasters. For example, GOES-19 today tracks hurricanes near Hawaii and volcanic activity in Central America. High-speed data transmission helps save thousands of lives by alerting people to danger hours before it arrives.
One step ahead
Dust storms not only destroy infrastructure, but also cause respiratory problems and paralyze air travel. Thanks to satellites, scientists can study the patterns of such phenomena and create more accurate climate models. GOES-18 images are already being used by The Weather Channel and AccuWeather for real-time forecasts.
This story is a reminder of how technology helps humans stay one step ahead of the elements. And while dust waves are reminiscent of apocalyptic movie scenes, it’s science that makes them less unpredictable.
We previously reported on how warm and sunny weather on Mars threatened the colonization of the planet.
According to wisc.edu
