China and the southern United States experienced some of the worst sand and dust storms in decades in 2025, the United Nations reported. These storms significantly impacted public health, the environment, and disrupted transport and economic activities. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) highlighted these events in its 10th annual Airborne Dust Bulletin.
Impact and Severity
The WMO noted that globally, average dust concentrations in 2025 were similar to 2024, with notable regional variations. The desert border region between Mexico and the United States saw exceptionally intense and prolonged dust storms, with El Paso, Texas, experiencing 50 days of dust weather—more than double the annual average. The highest daily average concentration of inhalable particles (PM10) reached 2,064 microgrammes per cubic metre, with an hourly peak of 8,142 microgrammes.
China's Severe Storms
China faced its worst dust and sand storm in a decade in April 2025. Dust from Mongolia led to hourly PM10 concentrations exceeding 1,000 microgrammes per cubic metre in northern China, with some areas reaching as high as 3,000 to 4,000 microgrammes.
Global Dust Sources and Effects
The WMO identified major deserts such as the Sahara, Gobi, and Arabian Desert as primary dust sources. Poor water and land management, drought, and environmental degradation exacerbate these natural hazards, affecting over 150 countries. The highest annual mean dust concentrations were recorded in the Bodele Depression in Chad.
Health and Environmental Impact
WMO chief Celeste Saulo emphasized that sand and dust storms degrade air quality, harm human health, reduce agricultural productivity, disrupt transport and aviation, strain water and energy systems, and damage ecosystems. She stressed the need for countries to share early warning data and highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to improve forecasts.
Why This Matters for Bangladesh
While Bangladesh is not directly mentioned in the report, the country is no stranger to environmental challenges. Understanding the global impact of sand and dust storms can help Bangladesh prepare for similar events, improve early warning systems, and adopt better land and water management practices to mitigate the effects of such natural hazards.
