Categories: World

China blanketed with floating sand, dust as northern region expects to see sandstorm sweep through region

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for April 13

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

Many areas in northern China were blanketed with floating sand and dust on Thursday, and a sandstorm was expected to sweep through parts of Inner Mongolia.

The sandy, dusty weather and strong winds will last until Sunday, the National Meteorological Center said in a statement, adding the public should take precautionary measures to guard against poor air quality.

It renewed a blue alert for sandstorms — the least severe warning in the country’s four-tier weather warning system — and forecast that more than a dozen regions, including major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, would see some areas affected by floating sand and dust on Thursday.

FORT LAUDERDALE FLOODING FORCES AIRPORT TO CLOSE, LEAVES DRIVERS STRANDED FOR HOURS

The center’s chief forecaster, Gui Hailin, earlier said the sandy and dusty weather began Sunday in southern Mongolia. As cold air moved southward, the weather spread to various regions including northern and northeast China, he said.

In Beijing, buildings and traffic were shrouded by low visibility. The IQAir website showed an air quality index of 540 for the capital and labeled its air pollution level as “hazardous.” The Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center issued the highest air pollution warning.

Cars drive along an expressway during a sandstorm in Beijing, on April 13, 2023. Many areas in northern China were blanketed with floating sand and dust on Thursday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Running enthusiast Tu Jiaxian said the sandstorm had a “huge impact” on her life because it interrupted her marathon training plans.

“I want to run but I dare not run because of the weather. That is very painful,” Tu said, adding she had quit her daily 6.2-mile jogs for three days this week due to the weather.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Cao Yuanyuan, a newcomer to Beijing, was surprised at first to see the hazy scenes and took photos of them. But the bad weather forced her to wear glasses as a protective measure and keep the windows in her room shut.

“But there is still sand coming in, and I can smell the earth,” Cao said.

Share

Recent Posts

Iranian foreign minister reiterates ‘serious damage’ to nuclear facilities, despite ayatollah’s comments

close Video IAEA director: Iran's nuclear program has been set back 'significantly' International Atomic Energy…

9 hours ago

Iran trying to ‘save face’ following US strike on nuclear sites, expert says

close Video Brit Hume: ‘Low confidence’ damage assessments of Iran nuke sites are too early…

22 hours ago

Iran’s supreme leader slams Trump just days after US strikes on nuclear sites

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for June 25 Fox News Flash top headlines…

1 day ago

Belarusian dissident thanks Trump admin for his freedom, demands the UN act

close Video Belarusian dissident thanks U.S., demands international action Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who was recently released…

1 day ago

Mossad chief thanks US for help with Iran, says ‘significantly thwarted’ regime threats

close Video Trump officials stand by 'obliteration' of Iran nuclear sites Fox News senior White…

1 day ago

Trump’s crown jewel Abraham Accords may expand to normalize ties between Israel and other nations

close Video Trump's strike on Iran gives the U.S. 'a lot of credibility,' says Rebeccah…

1 day ago