Strong Sand and Dust Storm Affects Mongolia and Northern China During Chinese Spring Festival Holiday

From 20 to 22 February, a strong Sand and Dust Storm (SDS) process swept across East Asia, significantly impacting southern Mongolia and most parts of northern China. The event brought widespread blowing dust and sandstorms, sharply reduced visibility, and severe gale-force winds, causing notable disruptions to transportation and public activities.

According to the monitoring and assessment by the REGIONAL SPECIALIZED METEOROLOGICAL CENTER (BEIJING) FOR ATMOSPHERIC SAND AND DUST STORM FORECASTING (RSMC-ASDF BEIJING) and the SAND AND DUST STORM WARNING ADVISORY AND ASSESSMENT SYSTEM ASIAN REGIONAL CENTER (SDS-WAS Asian-RC), The SDS originated from the Gobi Desert region and was transported southeastward under the influence of a strong Mongolian cyclone and intense surface winds.

During the peak of the event, parts of southern Mongolia and northern China experienced visibility reduced to less than 200 meters. In some areas, strong winds accompanied by blowing sand severely affected road traffic and aviation operations. Several flights were delayed or cancelled, and highway transportation was temporarily disrupted due to hazardous driving conditions.

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) provided accurate and timely forecasts of the process several days in advance and issued sandstorm warning advisories accordingly. The early warning information effectively supported disaster prevention and mitigation efforts by local governments, transportation authorities, and the general public.

As the event coincided with the Chinese New Year holiday, a period characterized by extensive travel and tourism, the SDS affected hundreds of millions of people. In northern Shanxi Province, several tourist attractions were temporarily closed due to strong winds and low visibility, disrupting holiday plans for a large number of visitors.

RSMC-ASDF Beijing and SDS-WAS Asian-RC will continue to closely monitor dust source conditions and atmospheric circulation patterns, providing timely forecasting products, warning advisories, and post-event assessments to enhance regional cooperation and mitigate the impacts of sand and dust storms across East Asia.