Cold wave brings snow, wind, rain to much of nation

Central and eastern China are feeling the effects of this year's biggest cold wave, which is forecast to last through Thursday, bringing low temperatures, strong winds and snow to many parts of the country, the National Meteorological Center said.

The center issued a blue alert for the cold spell, which began on Sunday. That's the lowest level in the four-tier color-coded weather warning system.

Temperatures are expected to rise starting Friday, but until then, heavy snowfall is expected in Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu and other provinces.