According to a Forest and Rangeland Administration newsletter published by The Global Times, 409 million people in 15 provinces in China are affected by a wave of sandstorms that have been hitting the region in recent days. Beijing, as well as the northern regions of Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Xinjiang, have been hit hard by this weather phenomenon that originated in the southern part of Mongolia.
Experts believe the sandstorms are caused by strong winds kicking up sand, which is the result of a localized cyclone and a cold front at ground level. Rising temperatures over the past week and low rainfall in Mongolia and parts of China have exacerbated the situation.
The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has indicated that northern China faces more frequent sandstorms than average over the past ten years during the spring. So far this year, eight sandstorms have already affected the region.
Although authorities expect the storm to subside in Beijing during Tuesday afternoon, the long-term consequences of the sandstorm may be serious for human health and the environment. Sand and dust can trigger respiratory problems and reduce air quality. In addition, the storm may also have a negative impact on agriculture and local wildlife.