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Just a few links for Iraq weather watchers. Al AzamiyahAl BasrahAl HillahAl KarkhAl KazimiyahAl KutAl NasiriyahBaghdadBaqubahMosulNajafNinevehTall Kayf

Two U.S. Helicopters Missing in Iraqi Sandstorm, AFP Reports 2003-03-25 10:39 (New York) Southwestern Iraq, March 25 (Bloomberg) -- Two U.S. attack helicopters went missing in southern Iraq in a sandstorm that reduced visibility to 100 meters (328 feet), Agence France-Presse reported, citing an unidentified U.S. Army officer. The Apache and Black Hawk aircraft are unaccounted for and five other Apaches returned safely after the operation earlier today near the southern city of Nasiriyah, AFP cited the 3rd Infantry Division officer as saying. Poor visibility forced a search for the missing helicopters to be postponed. The storm sweeping over the...

General Franks officers in Doha are saying that the Iraqi capital cannot be taken by two United States armies.While there is no intention of postponing the assault on Baghdad, putting in a request for reinforcements is under consideration.The 4th Armoured Division passed through the Suez Canal on Monday and is on its way to the Gulf shortly, disembarking at Saudi Red Sea ports and cutting east into Iraq.The 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Italy, has also recieved orders to move out to Northern Iraq.

THEY call it Iraq’s El Niño. Every April, as atmospheric pressure above the Middle East forces hot air downwards, the Iraqis brace themselves for what is formally known as the “southern wind change”. That name does little justice to the raging, screaming gale that is beginning to assault US Marines stationed at temporary bases on the Iraqi border. This year, Iraq’s El Niño has come early. The gales do little to improve the conditions of the Marines stationed here at Camp Grizzly, named after the 5th Regiment’s radio codename. Dust and sand get everywhere, making it impossible to go outside...

Beijing was hit by choking sandstorms on Wednesday, whipped up by high winds. Pedestrians donned masks and fled for shelter and there were traffic delays as thick dust reduced visibility. Pedestrians tried to protect themselves Meteorologists have blamed a winter drought and advised people to stay indoors to protect their lungs. Sand storms are common in northern China at this time of year but this storm was one of the strongest to hit Beijing. "It's awful, I can't breathe," said Riu Chunyuan, 23, a cargo service worker. Environmental fears The Chinese capital is now less than 250-kilometres from the encroaching...