Japanese weather officials say yellow sand from China's deserts has blown into wide regions from northern to western Japan, including Tokyo.

The Meteorological Agency says visibility in Tokyo was over 10 kilometers as of 10 a.m. on Thursday. But it was less than 10 kilometers in some places, including Kumagaya City, north of Tokyo, the northern city of Sapporo, and Takamatsu City in western Japan.

This is the first time since May 2021 that yellow sand has been observed in central Tokyo.

Visibility is expected to be less than 10 kilometers in wide regions across Japan, and below 5 kilometers in some areas.

The yellow sand is expected to gradually subside but its effects are likely to continue through Friday. Weather officials say people should avoid hanging laundry out to dry. They are also urging drivers to take caution.

In Tokyo's Hachioji City, laundromats had more visitors than usual as people avoided hanging laundry outside.

A man with a black car said his vehicle was covered with what appeared to be fine sand particles. He said he just washed his car three days ago but will do so again on Friday. He added that it was troublesome but couldn't be helped.

A woman said she had been taking off her mask lately when outdoors, but wore one on Thursday because she was worried about the yellow sand's health hazards.