Sandstorms sweep through many regions in N. China

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-30-2007 10:09

Sandstorms and snow have begun sweeping through many regions in northern China. However, it was a much different story in the south where the weather was warm.

The first sandstorm of 2007 hit northwestern China over the past two days. Some areas of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia were affected the most. Strong winds worsened the situation. People covered themselves with scarves and glasses as visibility was reduced to less than 50 meters in some places.

Meteorologists say the storm was caused by a sudden change in air pressure, a decrease in temperature and heavy winds. In Xinjiang for example, the temperature fell below six degrees Celsius.The sandstorms are expected to continue for some time.

Meanwhile, some areas in northeastern China received a heavy snowfall.

But in southern China, some regions are experiencing hot weather. In Hunan and Shanghai, the temperature reached 30 degrees Celsius, the highest in the 30 years. But, the central meteorological station predicts a large drop in temperature in southern China Friday.

Editor:Du Xiaodan