Sandstorms due to cold: Experts

BEIJING - The sandstorms that have swept across China over the past two weeks are the result of strong and frequent cold spells rather than desertification, according to leading meteorologists.

In contrast to widespread opinion, the number of yellow and dusty days has actually decreased overall since the 1980s, they said.

Since March 11, the country was hit by five sandstorms over 12 days.