Definition
A weather condition in which dust particles are lifted from the ground by the wind to a height of six feet or more, reducing horizontal visibility to less than seven statute miles. It is reported in surface weather observations using the contraction BLDU.
Plain English
Wind picking up dust from the ground and carrying it high enough and thick enough to make it harder to see across the airport or surrounding area.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation weather reports, preflight weather briefings, and airport observations, especially in dry, windy areas.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces visibility during takeoff, landing, and low-altitude flight, raising the chance of disorientation or runway incursions.
Grounding Statement
Picture a dry, windy day when brown dust is moving through the air and distant objects start to fade or disappear.
Intuition Check
Do not read Blowing Dust as just a little dust moving along the ground. In aviation weather, it means dust is in the air enough to reduce what you can see.
Example Sentence 1
The METAR reported blowing dust with visibility down to three miles, so the pilot delayed departure until conditions improved.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot waited for the blowing dust to clear before attempting the approach.