BEIJING -- China experienced dusty weather for four times in April, including three sandstorms, sources with the China Meteorological Administration said on Monday.

The sandstorms occurred on April 14, 16 and 22-23, the sources added.

This month's dusty weather was less than the average of six times for the same month in each of the years between 2000 and 2006. And this spring was the third that saw fewer days affected by sandstorms since 1961, next only to 1997 and 2003.

In April, temperature averaged 10.7 degrees Celsius nationwide, 0.9 degrees higher than the same month for average years, and precipitation averaged 34.5 mm, marginally lower than the 38.9 mm level for average years.

April also saw frequent disastrous weather, such as downpours, hails and strong gales, in some areas of southern China, according to the meteorological bureau.