New indicator to improve accuracy of monthly forecasts

The meteorological authority will release a new indicator to increase the accuracy of its air pollution forecasts, in an effort to facilitate governments' efforts to curb air pollution.

"We have conducted research on this indicator and will release the monthly forecast on it," Song Lianchun, chief of the National Climate Center, said on Friday.

"Atmospheric environmental capacity" is a special indicator that demonstrates the carrying capacity of PM2.5 - airborne particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate the lungs and cause serious harm to health - in the air of a specified region.