BEIJING, Mar 11 (AP)-- Sandstorms carried by a Siberian cold front were sweeping across northern China on Saturday.

Temperatures dropped by up to 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) from Friday, with northern regions warned of snow and sleet along with the sand, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Sandstorms have become a rite of spring in arid northern China as desert areas have spread due to overgrazing and drought.

The bad weather and poor visibility caused some flight delays and slowed traffic on highways.