China's weather forecasters may soon feature a new element
alongside rain, snow and hail -- dust.
A China Meteorological Administration (CMA) official said a
"dust forecast" could be introduced at the request of the
public.
"Meteorologists considered it a good suggestion from the
public," said Wang Bangzhong, deputy director of CMA's Forecast and
Disaster Reduction Department. "Relevant experts have been
requested by meteorological departments to collect data,"
Dust and sandstorms caused major disruptions to everyday life,
particularly in north China, Wang said.
The issue was raised after a strong sandstorm swept north China
on April 16 and 17, leaving 330,000 tons of dust on Beijing. The
sandstorm affected 1.2 million square kilometers, or one eighth of
China's territory, and reached the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
A CMA report shows seven dust-related weather patterns occurred
in north China in April, including three strong sandstorms and four
high-density dust movements.
One reason behind the frequent dust-related weather was the
lasting drought in north China.
China is suffering sustained drought with more than 10 million
people suffering drinking water shortages since mid-April,
according to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief
Headquarters.
A total of 16.6 million hectares of cropland -- 2.1 million more
than the annual average -- have been struck by severe drought in
most northern regions and in southwestern Yunnan Province.
Meanwhile, 7.88 million head of livestock have also suffered
from the shortages of drinking water, it said.
Environmental degradation is also blamed for the dust.
"We should not hold a closed-door meeting while dust swirls
around outside," Premier Wen Jiabao told delegates to the sixth
National Environmental Protection Conference last month.
The premier linked the weather with China's sustained economic
growth. China reached almost all goals set in the 10th Five-Year
Plan (2001-2005) except the goals for environmental protection, Wen
said.
The frequent sandstorms were "a warning signal", which should
"arouse heightened vigilance", he said.
However, forecasting dust remains a tough job.
Wang said that dust was affected by wind, rainfall and lack of
vegetation, making forecasts "more difficult" than normal weather
patterns.
"A thorough investigation is necessary and the preliminary
research in the regard is underway," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2006)