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Rare dust storm, hail, and extreme winds hit Harbin as multi-hazard event unfolds in Northeast China

ByRishav Kothari

A rare dust storm accompanied by winds of up to 148 km/h (92 mph) struck Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, at around 17:00 LT on May 31, causing widespread damage, reducing visibility to less than 100 m (328 feet), and disrupting transportation and public events across the city. The same atmospheric setup also produced a tornado in Changling County, Jilin Province, as a broader outbreak of severe weather affected parts of Northeast China.

Massive dust storm in Harbin, Heilongjiang on May 31, 2026. Credit: Yangyubin1998

Major dust storm in Harbin, Heilongjiang on May 31, 2026. Credit: Yangyubin1998

A major dust storm struck Harbin in northeastern Heilongjiang Province at around 17:00 LT on May 31, causing significant damage across the region. Visibility reportedly dropped to less than 100 m (328 feet).

The dust storm and accompanying strong winds toppled multiple trees, tore down billboards, and damaged buildings. Heavy rain and large hail were also reported in some areas.

Winds in the region reached 133-148 km/h (83-92 mph), while the average wind speed in Harbin reached 94.3 km/h (58.6 mph). The strongest gust recorded in the city reached 140 km/h (87 mph).

A roller coaster lost power amid the high winds, leaving a car and its passengers suspended midair. Multiple other events were disrupted, including a concert that was canceled after the storm damaged part of the venue’s roof.

Chinese media reported that dust storms are very rare in Harbin during May, citing local meteorologists. Harbin’s temperature reached 35.4°C (95.7°F) on May 31, the highest temperature recorded on that date in the past six years.

At the same time, prolonged dry conditions over the Mongolian Plateau created favorable conditions for dust generation. As a Siberian cold high-pressure system moved through the region, it lifted large amounts of dust and sand into the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, moisture from the Pacific Ocean associated with Typhoon Jangmi flowed into Heilongjiang, contributing to the development of what officials described as an unprecedented dust storm.

The same atmospheric setup also produced a tornado in Changling County, Jilin Province, that caused widespread damage in the area.

At 18:00 LT on June 1, China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) maintained its Blue Alert for severe convective weather.

The agency forecast that from 20:00 LT on June 1 to 20:00 LT on June 2, parts of central and southern Northeast China, northern North China, and southeastern and northern Southwest China would experience thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and hail.

Among the most affected areas, parts of central Jilin Province and northern Liaoning Province could experience thunderstorm winds of 89-102 km/h (55-63 mph), with peak gusts potentially exceeding 103-117 km/h (64-72 mph).

Meanwhile, portions of central and eastern Northeast China, eastern and northern Southwest China, and central and eastern South China are forecast to receive short-duration heavy rainfall exceeding 20 mm (0.79 inches) per hour. In some areas of southern Guizhou and central Guangdong, hourly rainfall rates may exceed 50 mm (1.97 inches).

Meteorological authorities said the multi-hazard event and the ongoing severe weather are being caused by the interactions of an upper-level cold vortex and a surface cyclone.

In addition, temperatures across Northeast China rose significantly on May 31, with many locations exceeding 30°C (86°F). As colder air associated with the cold vortex moved into the region, the collision of warm and cold air masses triggered strong atmospheric instability and vigorous convection, leading to damaging thunderstorm winds.

Northeast China is not the only region experiencing unusual weather this week. North China and the Huanghuai region are also forecast to experience severe weather, including strong winds, hail, and locally intense short-duration rainfall.

According to forecasts from the National Meteorological Center, a widespread rainfall event will affect central and eastern China from the night of June 2 through June 4.

Light to moderate rain and showers are expected across southeastern Northwest China, North China, the Huanghuai region, eastern Inner Mongolia, and Northeast China. Some areas may receive heavy to torrential rainfall accompanied by severe convective weather, including thunderstorm winds and hail.

References:

1 Extreme Dust Storm Sweeps Through Harbin on Sunday, Turning Day Into Night – Icable – June 1, 2026

2 Harbin Engulfed by Dust Storm as Residents Describe ‘End-of-the-World’ Scenes – CTS – June 1, 2026

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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