[Objective] The paper studied the sand drift potential and the maximum possible sand-transporting quantity, and its spatial distribution features and variation on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, then to provide scientific foundation and advice for the construction and management of railway protection system.[Methods] Based on the date of meteorological from 1980 to 2010, the variation tendencies of precipitation, wind condition, air temperature and sand drift potential were discussed.[Results] Precipitation varied greatly from year to year, and had fitful characteristics. The frequency of wind-sand in spring and summer was 72.3%, the wind direction was dominated by WNW-NNW and NE-E, strong winds were concentrated in spring. The sand drift potential and the maximum possible sand-transporting quantity had a good correlation.[Conclusion] According to the current situation of Baotou-Lanzhou Railway protection system at Shapotou section, it is better to shape the system to A shaped structure to achieve better protection effect.