BEIJING — Northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is currently grappling with severe sandstorms, prompting the National Meteorological Center (NMC) to renew a yellow alert on Wednesday.
The NMC has advised residents to stay indoors, secure their homes by closing windows, and exercise caution around billboards and trees due to the heavy winds and dust accompanying the storms.
The sandstorms are not confined to Inner Mongolia alone. Forecasts indicate that regions in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as well as northwestern, northern, and northeastern parts of China, will also experience sandy and dusty weather conditions. This widespread impact underscores the extensive reach of the current meteorological phenomenon.
Understanding the Sandstorms
Meteorological experts attribute the sandstorms to a combination of rising temperatures and decreased precipitation in the northern regions of China and southern Mongolia.
“The temperature has increased in these areas, with some regions experiencing highs exceeding 18 degrees Celsius, which is 2 to 4 degrees Celsius higher than the average for this time of year,” said Zhang Bihui, director of the environmental meteorology office at the NMC.
Zhang further explained that the lack of precipitation has led to a significant reduction in snow cover compared to February. “The rising temperature and less precipitation result in bare surfaces, providing very favorable conditions for sand and dust to be carried by the wind,” he added.
Impact and Precautions
The sandstorms pose several risks, including reduced air quality and visibility, which can affect transportation and public health. Residents in the affected regions are urged to take necessary precautions, such as wearing masks when outdoors and minimizing exposure to the dust-filled environment.
The NMC continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety advisories.
Reference(s):
Sandstorms hit N China's Inner Mongolia, yellow alert issued
cgtn.com
