What you need to know about the sandstorm in Beijing
2023-04-11
A sandstorm swept across Beijing and several northern areas in China on Monday. Where did the sandstorm come from? How long will it last? Let's take a look.
Sand and dust sweep Beijing, April 10, 2023. [Photo/CFP]
Q: Where did the sandstorm come from?
A: The sandstorm originated in the Gobi Desert areas of Mongolia. During the eastward movement of a Mongolian cyclone and its subsequent cold air mass, strong winds picked up the sand and dust, which were then transported southward and eastward at high altitudes and eventually settled in downstream areas such as Beijing, resulting in the sandstorm.
Q: When will the dusty weather weaken? Should we expect more sandstorms this week?
A: According to the National Meteorological Center, the sandstorm will weaken starting from Tuesday. It is forecast that another sandstorm may occur around April 14.
People ride during a sand storm in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, April 10, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Q: Why are sandstorms in North China so frequent this year?
A: The current dusty weather is the eighth round in this year, while the average number of sandstorms during the same period in previous years is about 5 to 6 times. There are multiple reasons for the frequent sandstorms in the north of China this year.
According to meteorologist Wang Weiyue, the cold air activity in the country has remained active in March and April. During the influence of cold air, Mongolian cyclones and cold fronts on the ground have become favorable catalysts, transporting sand and dust from the sand source areas downstream to even more southern and farther areas.
The traffic is shrouded in sand and dust as a sandstorm hits in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, April 10, 2023. [Photo/CFP]
Q: Is a yellowish sky always an indicator of a sandstorm?
A: Not exactly. Only when the sandy and dusty weather reaches a certain intensity can it be called a sandstorm. In meteorology, according to the severity of the impact, the dusty weather can be divided into floating dust, blowing sand, sandstorm, strong sandstorm, and severe sandstorm.
People walk during a sandstorm in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, April 10, 2023. [Photo/CFP]
Q: What precautions to take in dusty weather?
A: Stay indoors as much as possible, and keep windows and doors closed. Use air purifiers, sprinkle water, use humidifiers, and mop the floor with wet cloth to remove dust; Wear masks, gauze or other dust-proof items when going outdoors, and clean your face and nose when returning home; When driving, reduce speed, turn on headlights, and drive with caution.
