UN: Intense Sand and Dust Storms Struck China, US in 2025

The United Nations has reported that China and the southern United States endured some of the most intense sand and dust storms in decades during 2025. These events significantly affected public health, disrupted transportation networks, and impacted economic activities, according to the WMO's 10th annual Airborne Dust Bulletin.

While the global average dust concentrations remained comparable to 2024, the WMO noted substantial regional differences. The Bodele Depression in Chad continued to be identified as the world's most active dust source. The organization emphasized that although dust storms are a natural phenomenon, factors such as inadequate water and land management, prolonged droughts, and environmental degradation are increasingly exacerbating the problem, which now affects more than 150 countries worldwide.

In the United States, the desert border region shared with Mexico witnessed an unprecedented frequency, intensity, and duration of dust storms in 2025. El Paso, Texas, alone recorded 50 days with dust weather, more than double its annual average. The WMO stated that the number of dust storms recorded was the highest since 1935. On March 18, the region experienced peak daily average concentrations of inhalable particles (PM10) at 2,064 micrograms per cubic meter, with hourly peaks reaching 8,142 micrograms, the highest measured in Texas since hourly PM monitoring began approximately 27 years ago.

Similarly, China experienced its most severe dust and sand storm in ten years in April 2025, characterized by its intensity, duration, and widespread influence. As dust swept in from Mongolia, hourly PM10 concentrations in northern China surpassed 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, with some areas reporting levels as high as 3,000 to 4,000 micrograms.

WMO chief Celeste Saulo underscored the cross-border nature of these storms, urging nations to enhance cooperation in sharing early warning data. She noted that while artificial intelligence holds promise for improving forecasts, further research is necessary. Current AI systems show varying effectiveness, with some excelling at predicting short-lived local storms and others better suited for large-scale, long-duration events.

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Sand and dust storms affect air quality and human health. They reduce agricultural productivity, disrupt transport and aviation, strain water and energy systems, and damage ecosystems. No country is immune to their impacts.