Beijing’s been looking like the set of Dune all weekend. At first, it looked like just another “bad air day,” as I tell my kids. Then my oldest noticed that the air was yellow, and that’s how we clued into our first sandstorm.
The current sandstorm in Beijing was caused by a combination of two main factors: dry conditions in the source areas and a powerful cold air mass.
The sand originated primarily from southern Mongolia and the China-Mongolia border region. These areas experienced a significant lack of precipitation, with rainfall more than 50% below the long-term average. This left the surface soil extremely dry and loose, providing ample material for a sandstorm.
But how to explain it to kids? CoolKidFacts.com says, “A sandstorm is caused when there is lots and lots of wind. The wind whips up heaps of sand as it by magic and carries it away for [kilometers and kilometers],” (and that’s how it got from Mongolia to Beijing). “They can be quite something to see. The clouds that carry the dust can be huge, and rise to over 305 meters, with wind speeds of at least 40 kilometers.”
Although it might seem alarming to kids, a sandstorm is a good time to remind them how quickly winds can change and how to protect their lungs by wearing masks properly.
Don’t play outside, keep your air filters on high, and have fun indoors until the air is clearer and the sand has subsided.
For more helpful facts and hacks about living in Beijing, just follow the Jingkids International WeChat Channel. Scan our QR code and let us know what you need to know!
Images: Cindy Marie Jenkins
