Fungal Storm Is A New Term Being Used to Describe Spores Spread Through the Southwest

There is a new weather term that has arrived particularly in the southwestern part of the United States. It is called a fungal storm and describes the conditions where certain fungi become airborne and makes it easier for people to breathe them in.

Understanding Fungal Storms 

There are fungi in the soil that are mostly beneficial. They break down organic matter and provide food for mushrooms. Coccidioides specifically, when airborne, can cause valley fever which may result in a fever, cough, and fatigue. 

In the last decade, researchers have seen the spread of these fungi due to certain conditions. One of these is warmer, wet temperatures. Fungi thrive when the soil is moist and warm like the deserts in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona have experienced. 

Climate Change and Fungal Proliferation

Then when the wind blows and stirs up dust, it becomes a fungal storm that can deposit the spores in places it hasn’t been before. There are areas in in Washington and Oregon that have seen the spread in the last few years. 

Warm weather isn’t the only driver of a fungal storm. Wildfires can create conditions along with construction and agriculture that can stir up the soil. Later when the wind blows the fungi into the air. 

Read More: What Caused This Magical Cloud Over Southern Nevada?

For those with a compromised immune system, a fungal storm is something to be aware of. Look for this term to make its way into the weather predictions when wind is likely to create a dust storm.