Definition
In a METAR, DS is the contraction reported under present weather to indicate a dust storm — strong, sustained winds lifting large quantities of fine dust into the air over a wide area, reducing surface visibility to less than 5/8 statute mile.
Plain English
DS in a weather report means a dust storm is happening at the airport — the wind is strong enough to pick up dust and blow it across the area, and you can't see very far because of it.
Context Anchor
Seen in the present-weather section of a METAR, especially at dry or desert airports during strong winds.
Derivation
From the Old English 'dust' (fine, dry particles of earth) and 'storm' (a violent disturbance of the atmosphere). The METAR contraction simply shortens the two words to their first letters. Knowing the components confirms there is no special technical meaning hidden in the code — it is exactly what it sounds like.
Why Pilots Care
Dust storms create sudden low-visibility conditions that can make takeoff, landing, or continued flight unsafe.
Grounding Statement
Picture a strong wind pushing a wide cloud of dust across the airport so that the runway and nearby buildings fade or disappear.
Intuition Check
Do not read DS as just 'a little dusty.' In a METAR, DS means dust is a significant weather condition affecting visibility and safety.
Example Sentence 1
The METAR for the desert airport included DS, so the pilot delayed departure until the dust storm passed and visibility improved.
Example Sentence 2
With DS reported at the destination, the crew diverted to an airport outside the storm area.