The national meteorological department predicted the persistence of the phenomenon until Saturday and urged the authorities to take measures because intense gales, rains, snow and a high concentration of sand are expected in different parts of the territory.

The institution also called for protection agriculture areas and urged the population to avoid going out to the streets unnecessarily and, if they do, due precautions is needed.

Xinjiang, Hebei, Chongqing and Hunan regions are expected to record the lowest temperatures and rainfalls, while the north and northeast of the country will be impacted by sandstorms.

In addition, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Hainan provinces will experience thick fog and the reduction of visibility to less than 200 meters on public roads.

Last year, natural phenomena such as unprecedented drought and extreme heat affected millions of people in China. The current winter is also experiencing warm temperatures.

jrr/arm/mem/ymr.