On May 26, “yellow sand” was recorded for the first time of 2014 in Fukuoka, Saga and Oita prefectures, and the second time in Nagasaki. Yellow sand is a seasonal meteorological phenomenon which affects much of East Asia sporadically during the springtime months. The dust originates in the deserts of Mongolia, northern China and Kazakhstan where high-speed surface winds and intense dust storms kick up dense clouds of fine, dry soil particles. These clouds are then carried eastward by prevailing winds. Monday’s occurrence seems to have been caused by a low pressure system in the desert last weekend. The haze over Fukuoka City was noticeable on Monday, and the PM 2.5 level was also temporarily higher (although not at dangerous levels). The yellow sand will continue to affect Kyushu for the next few days. Source: Nishinippon 5/27
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