Dusty weather is to rebound to a yearly average of 19 storms through this spring, more than last year's 15, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) forecast on Wednesday.

"The conclusion is drawn in view of ground conditions and the monitoring and analysis of the cold current movement," said Jiao Meiyan, chief of the CMA's department of weather forecast and disaster relief, pointing to the strong wind and dry conditions on the ground as the two main factors giving rise to the dusty weather.

Most parts of north China have received little rain and suffered drought this winter, according to the national meteorological observer. An active cold current from Mongolia could easily sweep the dry dust and sand to Inner Mongolia and north China.

According to CMA statistics, five dusty weather patterns, including three sandstorms, have hit northern China since February 11. Beijing was hit by this year's first floating dusty weather on Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2008)