The dreaded springtime clouds of yellow sand carried by westerly winds were observed in Osaka on Jan. 16, a rare occurrence for the winter season, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
While the concentration of the “kosa” was not high enough to disrupt public transportation, the agency said the phenomenon could continue across the Shikoku and Kyushu regions until the morning of Jan. 18.
Arrivals of the yellow sand are uncommon in winter because the surfaces of the continental deserts where the dust originates are typically frozen, preventing the sand from being lifted into the air. The JMA advised residents to be mindful of dust accumulating on laundry and vehicles.
Agency officials visually monitor for the dust at two designated locations: Tokyo and Osaka. The phenomenon was confirmed in Osaka at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 16. As of 4 p.m., it had not been observed in Tokyo.
According to the JMA, a low-pressure system passed over the Gobi Desert, which borders China and Mongolia, around Jan. 13, causing strong surface winds to kick up the sand.
The system then moved eastward over the Sea of Japan, likely carrying the airborne dust to the Japanese archipelago.
AloJapan.com