Severe Dust Storms Blanket Northern China

Severe dust and sandstorms originating from Mongolia have swept across provinces in northern China. The phenomenon primarily affected northwestern China, reaching as far as the Sichuan Basin, with high concentrations of particulate matter and low visibility.

According to Chinese state television, China Central Television, the storms affected 10 provinces, extending to the southwestern region of Sichuan. Satellite and ground data indicate that the storm originated in southern Mongolia, Xinjiang, and western Inner Mongolia.

In areas such as Turpan and Kashgar in Xinjiang, as well as Lake Guajzi in Inner Mongolia, sandstorms occurred with visibility dropping below one kilometer. At the Minqin station in Gansu province, PM10 levels reached 1,035 micrograms per cubic meter, while at the Dengkou station in Inner Mongolia, levels peaked at 1,698 micrograms per cubic meter.

The chief forecaster of the China National Meteorological Center explained that the dust is transported by cold air masses, crossing regions such as Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Gansu, and passing the Qinling Mountains before reaching the Sichuan Basin.

Monitoring data indicates that sand and dust storms in China have decreased in recent years. However, due to climatic anomalies, intense episodes still occur periodically.