Sand storms, a spring phenomenon

This Sunday, I got out for a bike ride in my northern Chiba Prefecture city. The weather is balmy - about 21 degrees celsius and a light breeze. I got lots of chores done and observed that the cherry trees are full of buds. But I noticed the skies are not bright blue like they were a week or two ago. It’s a little dingy overhead. This is due to 黄砂 kousa, the yellow sand blown in from China’s deserts.

No, China hasn’t got it in for us. It’s a natural phenomenon. Depending on the local conditions - the amount of vegetation, snow, and rainfall, the amount of fine sand that doesn’t succumb to gravity and drifts over Japan can vary widely. The Japan Meteorological Agency says that this powdery sand can reach the Pacific coast of North America.  

Back in March 2014, I observed a choking cloud of brownish yellow sand drifting over my city in northern Chiba prefecture. It can be pretty dramatic and reduces visibility.

In the next three days, Japan Meteorological Agency predicts a high concentration of sand will drift over the Korean Peninsula to Honshu and Shikoku. You can see an animation of the predicted dust cloud on the JMA website. Want more info? The Ministry of the Environment has a Dust and Sandstorm Monitoring System with real-time and local info.

The dust can irritate your eyes and respiratory system. A lot of sources recommend staying indoors, using air purifiers. If you must go out, wear a mask and when you come home, change your clothes. I won’t put my futons and laundry out for a few days.

Are you in the path of kousa? What are your tips for this gritty spring phenomenon?