Shanghai in path of massive sandstorm choking northern China

A severe dust storm choking northern China is expected to descend on Shanghai on Friday afternoon.

The city’s municipal government warned on Thursday that air pollution from the storm would persist until Saturday morning.

Environmental and weather authorities urged residents to take precautions such as closing windows, minimising outdoor activities and wearing face masks.

Sand and dust storms have hit more than 10 provinces and big cities, including Beijing and Tianjin, this week, blanketing 1.6 million sq km, or about 15 per cent of the nation’s total land mass, according to Xinhua.