Strongest Sandstorm of Year Hits Beijing

A sandstorm that originated in Mongolia on Tuesday swept through vast swaths of northern China, including Beijing, causing heavy pollution, reducing visibility substantially and disrupting public transportation. Visibility remained lower than 1,000 meters in some parts of northern China as the National Meteorological Center issued a yellow alert.

Beginning on Wednesday, external sand and dust hit Beijing with a strong northwest wind. Beijing also issued a blue warning for strong with gusts reaching around level 7 during the day. Due to the large area of sand storm this time and the long transmission time of sand and dust, it is likely that moderate and above pollution will still be maintained on Thursday.