“Fungal Storms” are becoming a growing public health concern across the United States. Changing weather patterns help dangerous spores travel far beyond their traditional boundaries in the Desert Southwest.

Scientists and health experts warn that climate change is creating ideal conditions for the spread of Valley Fever, a potentially serious fungal disease caused by inhaling microscopic spores found in dry soil.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Valley Fever cases are increasing in states where the disease was once rarely seen. Experts say hotter temperatures, prolonged droughts, dust storms, hurricanes, and sudden flooding events are all contributing to the spread of these so-called “fungal storms.”

What Are ‘Fungal Storms’?

Despite the dramatic name, fungal storms are not an official weather phenomenon. The term refers to environmental conditions that allow fungal spores to become airborne and spread over large distances.

The fungus responsible for Valley Fever, known as Coccidioides, thrives in desert soil. When heavy rains occur, the fungus can multiply underground. Once the soil dries out again, strong winds and dust storms can lift the spores into the air, where people unknowingly inhale them.

Researchers say climate-driven weather extremes are intensifying the cycle. Severe drought followed by intense rainfall creates the perfect environment for the fungus to grow and spread.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also highlighted concerns that climate change could dramatically expand the geographic range of fungal diseases in North America.

Valley Fever Fungal Storms Expand Beyond the Southwest

Historically, Valley Fever has been concentrated in parts of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. However, scientists now say the disease is steadily moving northward.

Dr. John Galgiani, director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, explained how changing rainfall and heat patterns affect the spread of the fungus.

“When it rains, we see a bloom of this fungus in the dirt or in rodent burrows. And then when things dry out, those spores become airborne,” Galgiani said.

California alone has already recorded more than 2,100 Valley Fever cases in 2026, according to data from the California Department of Public Health. Experts also report increasing cases in Oregon and Washington.

Some projections suggest the fungus could eventually spread into parts of the Midwest and even southern Canada within the coming decades.

Fungal Storms Symptoms

One reason Valley Fever is particularly concerning is that it can be difficult to diagnose. Many people mistake the symptoms for the flu, COVID-19, or ordinary pneumonia.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Night sweats
• Muscle aches

Unlike many respiratory illnesses, Valley Fever symptoms can last for weeks or even months.

The Mayo Clinic notes that severe cases can spread beyond the lungs into other parts of the body, including the brain, bones, and skin.

“For a small percentage of people, it goes out of the chest through the bloodstream to other parts of the body and can cause meningitis, which is lethal if it’s not treated,” Dr. Galgiani warned.

Tourism and Travel Increase Exposure Risks

Health experts say Valley Fever is no longer just a regional issue because millions of tourists travel through the Southwest every year.

Visitors to destinations such as the Grand Canyon National Park may inhale fungal spores without realizing it. Symptoms often develop weeks later after travelers have returned home, making diagnosis even more difficult for doctors unfamiliar with the disease.

The CDC’s Valley Fever travel guidance encourages awareness for anyone spending time in dusty outdoor environments in affected regions.

Experts say increased public awareness is critical to reducing severe illness.

Climate Change Increases Fungal Storms

Scientists increasingly believe fungal diseases could become one of the lesser-known health consequences of climate change. Rising global temperatures may allow fungi to survive in regions previously too cold for them to thrive.

Researchers are continuing to monitor how shifting weather patterns affect fungal activity and disease outbreaks across the country.

While Valley Fever remains relatively unknown compared to diseases like Lyme disease, experts say that may soon change as cases continue spreading into new areas.

Dr. Galgiani believes education is key.

“I think awareness is the protection,” he said. “Knowing about it and getting the diagnosis very early is the best way to really improve your health.”