Severe Winds and Sandstorms Hit Northern China, Disrupting Daily Life

On April 12, 2025, Beijing and northern China were struck by severe typhoon-like winds reaching speeds up to 150 kilometers per hour (90 miles per hour), originating from a cold vortex in Mongolia. The extreme weather led to the closure of historic sites, uprooted hundreds of trees, and caused significant travel disruptions, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of China's spring weather patterns.

The gale-force winds prompted Beijing authorities to issue the second-highest wind alert for the first time in a decade, urging residents to stay indoors. By 2 p.m. local time, 703 trees had been uprooted across the city, causing damage to vehicles and infrastructure. Additionally, 693 flights were canceled at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Major tourist attractions, including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven, were closed due to safety concerns. Outdoor events, such as football matches and a half-marathon featuring humanoid robots, were postponed.

The strong winds also triggered sandstorms that affected road travel across eight provinces and were expected to reach Shanghai. These sandstorms, originating from the arid Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts, have long posed challenges for Beijing, where they can severely reduce visibility and impact public health.

China has a history of severe sandstorms, particularly in the spring. In 2021, Beijing experienced its worst sandstorm in a decade, with skies turning orange and air quality reaching hazardous levels. To combat desertification and reduce the frequency of sandstorms, China initiated the "Three-North Shelterbelt" project in 1978, aiming to create a "Great Green Wall" by planting trees across northern regions. By 2024, this initiative had resulted in the planting of over 30 million hectares of trees, increasing national forest coverage to over 25%. Despite these efforts, sandstorms remain a significant issue, with climate change contributing to their unpredictability and intensity.

The recent severe weather event had immediate and widespread impacts on daily life in Beijing and surrounding areas. Authorities issued the second-highest wind alert for the first time in a decade, urging residents to stay indoors to avoid potential harm from falling debris and poor air quality. The cancellation of nearly 700 flights and the closure of major roads due to sandstorms caused significant travel disruptions, affecting both domestic and international travelers. The closure of tourist attractions and postponement of events likely resulted in economic losses for businesses reliant on tourism and outdoor activities. Sandstorms can exacerbate respiratory issues, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

The increasing frequency and intensity of sandstorms in China have been linked to climate change. Higher temperatures and lower precipitation levels contribute to desertification, creating conditions conducive to sandstorms. In response, the United Nations declared 2025 to 2034 as the "Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms," emphasizing the need for international cooperation to address this growing issue.

The recent severe wind and sandstorm event in Beijing underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. While China's reforestation efforts have made significant strides, the persistence of extreme weather events highlights the necessity for continued and enhanced environmental protection measures, both domestically and through international collaboration.